Due to the recent government shutdown, the allocation of SNAP benefits has been halted or delayed. Although the government has reopened, according to WPSU, many students are turning to campus resources during this uncertain time. VALLEY is here to highlight how students are showing up for their peers as well as to offer ways the average student can help.
Readily Available Resources
If you or another student is in need of food, hygiene products or any other resources during this time, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. From groceries to larger struggles like rent/housing and medical bills, Penn State offers help through Basic Needs and Support. For easy access to food and hygiene products, The Lion’s Pantry offers food to any student with a PSU ID.
Student-driven Support Systems
The student-run organization Days for Girls focuses on ending period poverty locally as well as internationally. VALLEY had the opportunity to speak with Hailey Dermota, the Vice President of Advocacy at Days for Girls Penn State, to discuss how students can access free menstrual products as well as help others.
Although Days for Girls has not yet seen an influx of students who need products, they have heard the concerns about peers in need and are worried about it.
We are available if anyone needs to talk or needs supplies, and we can always help get access to those supplies if it’s not just period products, Dermota said.
In 2021, they conducted a survey as a part of an access expansion project that makes sure all academic buildings have free period products in the women’s and gender-neutral bathrooms. It found that 12% of menstruators at Penn State face financial barriers to accessing period products.
Recently, they collaborated with The Lion’s Pantry to make period packs with pads and tampons for students to take whenever they need it. Days for Girls also regularly makes donations to The Lion’s Pantry.
For those in need of products, Days for Girls has pads, tampons, liners and menstrual cups available in HUB 207 during office hours, which can be found on their Instagram.
On Campus:
Basic Needs Hub Boucke 222
R-Voice Center Boucke 222
Chaiken Center Boucke 325
Chaiken Center Sparks 138 & 139
Hub 207 Days for Girls office, select hours
Monday 2-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday 12:30-1 p.m., 2-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday 1-2 p.m.
Thursday 12-12:30 p.m., 3-3:30 p.m.
Friday 10-10:30 a.m.
The Lion’s Pantry
Waring Commons WHRA Office
Downtown Locations:
Schlow Library downtown in the Children’s Library
How You Can Help
Dermota said that the best way to support fellow classmates through Days for Girls’ initiatives is to donate products. Products can be donated at Days for Girls, The Lion’s Pantry, Centre Safe and State College Food Bank.
It’s a necessity. It’s not something that goes to waste.
She also emphasized the importance of service work and volunteering.
I think it’s important to remember that when you’re doing service work, there’s someone on the other side that is so grateful that you joined.
Dermota said that for those interested in making a bigger impact outside of campus, the international organization, Days for Girls International, accepts donations.
For students who want to help with food insecurity, there are ways to donate your time and money to The Lion’s Pantry. The Lion’s Pantry accepts “non-perishable, unopened and unexpired food and household item donations,” and they also have an Amazon wishlist with their high-demand items. They also accept monetary donations. If you wish to volunteer instead, you can contact them by email at thelionspantry@psu.edu.
Let us know about other resources for students or ways to help @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!
I do love the manner in which you have framed this specific challenge and it really does present me personally a lot of fodder for thought. However, through just what I have seen, I just simply hope as other commentary pack on that individuals continue to be on point and don’t start on a tirade regarding the news du jour. All the same, thank you for this superb piece and whilst I do not really agree with it in totality, I value your standpoint.
I will immediately seize your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognize in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Saya menghargainya, karena saya menemukan persis apa yang saya cari. Anda telah mengakhiri pencarian saya selama empat hari! Tuhan memberkati Anda. Semoga harimu baik. Bye
I got what you mean , appreciate it for posting.Woh I am pleased to find this website through google.
I’m now not certain where you are getting your information, however great topic. I must spend some time learning more or figuring out more. Thank you for fantastic info I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.
I do trust all the concepts you have introduced for your post. They are very convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for starters. Could you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply great and that i could suppose you’re a professional on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to take hold of your feed to keep updated with approaching post. Thank you a million and please carry on the rewarding work.
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
You can definitely see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your heart. “A second wife is hateful to the children of the first a viper is not more hateful.” by Euripides.