PCCE- Wilkes University VISTA

Location: Wilkes Barre

PCCE
- Wilkes University VISTA

This project will focus on food access and food security across campus at Wilkes University. We have an on-campus food pantry, The Colonel's Cupboard, that supports student needs; however, that's where the support seems to end. Our mission with this project is two-fold: reduce the stigma around seeking food assistance and transform Wilkes into a campus that could achieve the PA Hunger-Free Campus Designation.

A VISTA member can actively work towards this goal by educating our campus, informing students of their options, and ensuring the resources we're providing meet those established standards by the state. Currently, there are no clear processes or procedures in place for a student who needs assistance or support accessing off-campus resources, such as SNAP. There is no clear place on campus where a student can stop by to receive knowledgeable support in this area.

This project would look to further the development of the food pantry on campus through marketing, access, available goods, and funding. This project would also seek to create a known space on campus where students can come to ask questions, find out what options they have (on and off campus), and how they can move forward with those options. An additional goal of this project would be to create a Wilkes-specific guide for SNAP options and eligibility.

The CEO/Weinberg Northeast Regional Foodbank has supported our on-campus food pantry for the last three years and has allowed us to serve over 75 students every single month during the academic year. A large portion of our student body has to make the daily decision of buying food, buying gas, or paying for school. Some of them have to go to class without a guaranteed source of food.

A large portion of our traditional, full-time student body falls in the low to very low income range, which further indicates that this is a needed resource on campus. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties :
The Y3 VISTA member will focus on final implementation, institutionalization, training, and sustainability of Wilkes University's food access and food security initiatives. Building on systems and resources developed in Years 1 & 2, the VISTA will finalize, publish, and distribute the Wilkes-specific Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program guide for students, faculty, and staff, and develop and facilitate training sessions to ensure effective and ongoing use.

The VISTA will strengthen referral systems, formalize campus procedures for food access and benefit navigation, and integrate these processes into existing student support structures; collaborate with campus partners to secure sustainable funding and operational support to ensure continuity beyond the service term. Additionally, the VISTA will maintain compliance with Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus designation requirements and lead renewal submissions.

Program Benefits :
Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Stipend , Education award upon successful completion of service , Living Allowance , Housing , Relocation Allowance , Childcare assistance if eligible , Training , Health Coverage* , On Campus resources and facilities .

Terms :

Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended .

Service Areas :

Health , Education , Community and Economic Development , Hunger .

Skills :

Social Services , Writing/Editing , Education , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Public Health , Community Organization , Team Work , General Skills , Work-issued laptop , Leadership , Non-Profit Management .