Arcadia University has received $8,500 from the Montgomery County Commissioners through the Montgomery County Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN) to fight food insecurity. In addition, the University is now part of the Resilient Students Network (RSN), an organization that helps under-resourced college and trade students meet basic needs in order to reach their academic goals and improve life outcomes.

“Students cannot thrive academically or personally when they are unsure where their next meal will come from or if they will have a safe place to sleep,” Christine Storch, assistant vice president for the Student Experience said. “This gives us not only financial support, but the structure and legitimacy to expand services that promote dignity, equity, and student well-being.”

The $8,500 from MAHN will be used to support the Knights Resource Pantry. The University will be able to purchase food directly through Derstine’s Foodservice in Sellersville, Pa., and Driscoll Foods in Wayne, N.J., ensuring students facing food insecurity have consistent access to nutritious options. 

To fight housing instability, the University will direct students as needs arise to the Resilient Students Network in order to help offset both on-campus and off-campus housing costs. The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund recently provided funding to help support the RSN.

“The ability to secure and implement funding like this reflects Arcadia’s collective commitment to building a learning environment where every student has the foundation they need to thrive,” Storch explained.