February 28, 2025/Midnight
Erie, PA.– No student should have to choose between buying a textbook or their next meal. At Gannon University, Store U-Knighted is making sure they don’t have to.
Food insecurity is a growing issue on college campuses, impacting students’ academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Beyond Gannon, food insecurity remains a widespread issue affecting college students nationwide. A 2023 report from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice found that 45% of college students surveyed had experienced food insecurity at some point during their education. Some universities have implemented creative solutions, such as “Swipe Out Hunger” meal donation programs, mobile food pantries, and partnerships with local grocery stores to provide discounted items for students. However, the stigma associated with seeking food assistance prevents many students from accessing these resources, making it even more critical for schools to actively promote and normalize the use of campus pantries like Store U-Knighted.
Store U-Knighted was founded to combat hunger on campus and is supported by the Social Work Department, which plays a key role in addressing food insecurity and advocating for student well-being. Alongside them the Gannon’s Well-Being Department, led by Nora McCann, and the AmeriCorps VISTA position, currently held by Camila Camacho, work together to ensure students have access to nutritious food and hygiene products. The store is funded through the PA Hunger-Free campus grant, the Caroline Joy DiPlacido Giving Heart Memorial Endowment, and donations supplementing its resources.
Beyond the departments leading the initiative, the Gannon community continues to raise awareness and advocate for students facing food insecurity. While Store U-Knighted is primarily funded through grants, efforts to expand support and reduce stigma remain essential. By ensuring students have access to reliable food resources, the initiative helps them stay focused on their academic and personal growth without the added burden of food insecurity.
For many students, Store U-Knighted is more than just a place to get food—it is a crucial source of support during difficult times. With the rising cost of tuition, rent, and other living expenses, affording groceries can become an overwhelming challenge. As a result, many students quietly face food insecurity, unsure of where their next meal will come from.
“There were weeks when I didn’t know how I was going to afford meals. Store U-Knighted gave me one less thing to worry about,” shared one Gannon student, who wished to remain anonymous for privacy reasons. This sentiment was echoed in multiple interviews with students who expressed similar relief and gratitude for the pantry’s support.
Beyond providing essential supplies, Store U-Knighted fosters a supportive environment where students can seek help without stigma. Food insecurity doesn’t just affect a student’s ability to eat—it has serious academic and mental health consequences. Studies show that students experiencing food insecurity are more likely to struggle with concentration, miss classes, and perform poorly on exams compared to their peers with regular access to meals. Additionally, the stress of not knowing when or where they will get their next meal can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, further impacting their ability to succeed in college.
Addressing food insecurity through consistent and easily accessible resources like Store U-Knighted allows students to focus on their education without the added burden of hunger, ultimately increasing retention and graduation rates. Whether they need a few meals to get through the week or regular assistance, the store is there to ensure no student goes hungry.
Food insecurity is not just a Gannon problem—it is a national issue affecting thousands of students across the country. Organizations like Swipe Out Hunger, which partners with colleges to provide meal-sharing programs and campus food pantries, help address student hunger at a systemic level. Their work, along with initiatives like Store U-Knighted, highlights how universities can take direct action to support their students by ensuring no one has to choose between their education and their next meal. Expanding these programs and increasing awareness can help bridge the gap for students who are struggling to afford food while pursuing their degrees.
Beyond university-led initiatives, state-level support also plays a crucial role in combating student hunger. In January of 2024, Gannon University was awarded $40,000 through the PA Hunger-Free Campus grant program, which provides funding to colleges across Pennsylvania to enhance student food access. These funds will help expand food options, raise awareness, and improve pantry facilities, reinforcing the importance of both community-driven and government-supported solutions.
Gannon students and faculty can support Store U-Knighted in several meaningful ways. Raising awareness is crucial, as many students are unaware that this resource is available to them. Simply spreading the word can help ensure that those in need know where to turn for support. While the pantry is primarily funded through grants, donations of non-perishable food and hygiene products play a valuable role in supplementing supplies and keeping shelves stocked.
Additionally, although Store U-Knighted is not student-run, volunteering remains an important way to contribute—whether by assisting with outreach efforts, organizing food drives, or helping to destigmatize food insecurity on campus. Through these collective efforts, the Gannon community can help sustain and expand this vital resource.
“No student should go hungry. By supporting Store U-Knighted, we’re not just providing food; we’re fueling futures,” said Camila Camacho. For students in need of assistance, resources are available through Gannon University Hunger Free Information, which provides additional help for those facing food insecurity and other challenges.
Store U-Knighted is more than just an emergency food store—it is a lifeline for students facing the impossible choice between their education and their next meal. Hunger should never be an obstacle to success, yet for many students, it is a daily reality. No one should have to sit through class on an empty stomach, wondering how they will afford their next meal.
This issue is not just about food—it is about dignity, opportunity, and the future of our students.
By supporting Store U-Knighted, whether through advocacy, awareness, or action, we are not just filling shelves—we are fueling futures. Every meal provided is a step toward ensuring that no student must put their education on hold due to hunger.
Now is the time to act. Whether by spreading the word, donating, or simply showing compassion, everyone has a role to play. Because when students are nourished, they do not just survive—they thrive. Stay updated and support the cause by following @gustoreuknighted learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to make a difference.
