For many people, facing food insecurity can be embarrassing and reluctant to seek help, but Center County-wide food donation organizations say otherwise.

As of 2020, the food-insecure population in Center County has reached 13,660, according to the Feeding America website.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to sufficient food “necessary for an active and healthy life.”

Mihee Woo, doctoral clinic supervisor at Dr. Edwin L. Herr Clinic, said she believes consistent access to food is closely tied to student well-being.

“If you think about that triangle, food, safety, health… [those needs] If it’s not met, it can be very difficult,” Woo said.

Allayn Beck, executive director of the State College Food Bank, said he believes food insecurity often forces people to make tough financial choices.

“It’s a really tough place when you’re trying to figure out if you should feed the kids or pay the bills,” Beck said.

Nancy Valverde, clinic supervisor at Herr Clinic, said there are additional challenges related to food insecurity, including the impact on mental health.

“It’s very difficult to care for mental health if you can’t meet your basic needs,” said Valverde.

Center Helps hotline counselor Jay Odum said the process of seeking help involves “a lot of stress and a lot of embarrassment.”

“Some clients feel like they don’t need help, but the resources are there for them,” says Odum.

For Beck, it may be difficult for some to ask for help at first, but she said there are resources to help.

“Taking that first step is the hardest step,” Beck said. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is. We can help.”

Clinicians say there are multiple resources within the community to help those facing food insecurity.

Webster’s Bookstore and Cafe offers free meals every Wednesday. Lion’s Pantry offers food service to students with a valid Penn State ID.

The State College Food Bank “provides approximately one to two weeks of supplementary food, and people can receive food every 30 days,” Beck said.

According to Odham, to use the State College Food Bank, you’ll need to fill out a “referral letter” at the Center Helps. You can do this by phone.

For those who feel they are taking resources away from others, Beck said: We are here and ready to help anyone. “

Community food security resources underscore the importance of getting help during difficult times, Valverde said.

“To have a community and support you, you don’t have to feel isolated in your lowest years and face things like: [food insecurity] Alone, that’s the biggest thing,” Valverde said.

Helping people with food insecurity isn’t just about providing people with the food they need, Odam said.

“It’s easy to make a lunch box and give it to them, but it’s very difficult for them to receive it,” Odam said.

People and institutions dealing with food insecurity and related student poverty need to “play an emotionally supportive role,” Odham said.

“You are not alone. It can be scary,” said Odam. “You’re going through a tough time right now. Scary, that’s fine.”

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