Geisinger College of Health Sciences Designated a ‘Hunger-Free Campus’ Members News June 26, 2025 Geisinger College of Health Sciences was recently notified by Pennsylvania first lady Lori Shapiro that it has received the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus designation. “We are so honored to receive the designation,” said Tanja Adonizio, MD, Geisinger College vice provost for student affairs. “Our medical school has long maintained a free student food pantry, stocked by generous faculty, staff and community. We also embed awareness of social drivers of health – like food insecurity – into our curriculum. We encourage our students to experience initiatives like Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy and to volunteer with community organizations that provide basic necessities to our neighbors. Students focused on healthcare careers need to understand everything that factors into a patient’s health.” The PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative is building a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students; creating opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates; providing resources and strategies for campuses; and supporting opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity. Mrs. Shapiro noted that more than one-third of students know someone who dropped out of college due to food insecurity during the pandemic. She further said that 52% of students who faced food or housing insecurity in 2020 did not apply for support because they did not know how. The hunger-free campus designation recognizes colleges and universities that are taking steps to address these issues so students can focus on their education instead of where to find their next meal. In addition to the Hunger-Free Campus designation, Geisinger College of Health Sciences is now also eligible for related grant opportunities.
