The unfortunate issue of food insecurity plagues students of all ages. According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, nearly 40% of HBCU students report being food insecure. As HBCU attendance rates increase nationwide, students’ chances of encountering this concern only increase.
As part of PepsiCo’s ongoing efforts to support and elevate HBCUs, the company has announced $250,000 in grants to tackle campus food insecurity. Five universities will receive $50,000 each, including Morgan State University and Prairie View A&M University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University and Bethune-Cookman University.
The funds will “support existing on-campus efforts, from expanding food pantry capacities to arming students with the long-term skills to avoid future food insecurity pitfalls in the future,” per a news release.
To support its donation, the company worked with Wale, who presented the first check on the field at the Florida Classic between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University in Orlando on Nov. 18.