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!
Can I just say what a reduction to search out someone who truly is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You positively know tips on how to convey an issue to light and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this facet of the story. I cant consider youre no more well-liked because you definitely have the gift.
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem together with your web site in internet explorer, might test thisK IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a huge section of other folks will leave out your great writing because of this problem.
I do enjoy the manner in which you have presented this specific matter and it does give me personally a lot of fodder for thought. However, from just what I have personally seen, I really trust when other comments pile on that folks continue to be on point and don’t embark upon a soap box of the news of the day. Still, thank you for this superb piece and although I can not necessarily concur with this in totality, I respect the viewpoint.
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful information to paintings on. You have done a formidable activity and our entire group shall be thankful to you.
Rattling good information can be found on web site. “There used to be a real me, but I had it surgically removed.” by Peter Sellers.
We’re a gaggle of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with helpful information to paintings on. You have performed an impressive task and our whole neighborhood will probably be thankful to you.
Once I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any means you may remove me from that service? Thanks!
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.
It is always refreshing to find a website that values clarity, depth, and readability.
naturally like your web-site but you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will definitely come back again.