Empowering Women of Influence: Unlocking Success Stories from West Chester University

Support for Students at WCU: Addressing Basic Needs

Recently, Pennsylvania’s First Lady Lori Shapiro, Senator Carolyn Comitta, and Acting Secretary for Education Dr. Carrie Rowe visited West Chester University (WCU). The focus was on how WCU is ensuring that students’ basic needs are met both in and out of the classroom.

WCU has been proactive in addressing food insecurity among its students. The Resource Pantry, which opened in 2016, provides non-perishable food, fresh produce, toiletries, and school supplies. According to the Hope Center’s 2022 report, 39% of college students face food insecurity, making such resources essential.

Senator Comitta highlighted the importance of these initiatives: “No student should miss out on education due to hunger.” WCU has received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Hunger-Free Campus program, which aims to enhance resources for students. In 2023, WCU secured over $54,000, which allows more accessible food options and extended hours for pantry services.

Collaborating with other universities, such as Cheyney and Lincoln, WCU staff have been instrumental in promoting awareness and share best practices on managing food insecurity.

The Period Project: A New Initiative

Access to menstrual products has also become a significant concern. The recently launched Period Project aims to provide free menstrual supplies in on-campus bathrooms. First Lady Shapiro noted, “Period products are a basic hygiene necessity, and too many students face uncertainty in accessing them.”

The idea for the Period Project originated from a capstone course led by WCU alumna Katie Kerr in 2021. This initiative secured partnerships with organizations like Aunt Flow to install dispensers in strategic locations on campus.

In 2024, students Lilly-Dawn Harkins and Megan Harth presented a case for permanent funding for the project to university leaders, who quickly endorsed it. Now, the Facilities Department manages the distribution and maintenance of the dispensers, ensuring that students have what they need without stigma.

Katie expressed gratitude for the administration’s support, emphasizing that addressing these needs fosters a more inclusive learning environment. She said, “No student should miss class due to basic need insecurity.”

The commitment to meet student needs at WCU reflects a growing recognition of the challenges today’s students face. As schools nationwide begin to understand and address these issues, WCU serves as a model for fostering a supportive community that prioritizes student well-being.

For further insights about food insecurity in higher education, you can refer to the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, which provides valuable research on this important topic.

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