Student Hunger Is Real At West Chester University, Aramark Acts

WEST CHESTER, PA — A check for $162,000 represented the largest single gift made yet to West Chester University by Aramark and came in response to food insecurity among students that a survey showed is a reality in the student body.

West Chester University (WCU) said in a news release that its students experiencing food insecurity, including those who are student-athletes, will benefit greatly from a generous gift of $162,000 from Aramark. The was presented formally to WCU President Chris Fiorentino last week under the iconic arches of Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High St., in West Chester.

In addition to its $112,000 philanthropic support of WCU students, Aramark's will also support five WCU 14 meal-per-week plans ($14,000), food donations for Sports Nutrition Fueling Stations ($16,000), and funding to support a graduate assistant position to manage Sports Nutrition Fueling Stations ($20,000), as Presenting Sponsor of the University's Sesquicentennial Celebration.

"Aramark is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of WCU’s Sesquicentennial Celebration," said James Hess, Resident District Manager, Higher Education, Aramark. "Through this sponsorship and our philanthropic support of the University and Student Affairs, we are able to create opportunities for students and the local community. As we foster accessibility to food and build community relationships, we look forward to a bright future."

Data Show Food Insecurity Is Real

The much-needed gift comes at a critical time in WCU students' lives. In survey data collected last year, approximately 40 percent of WCU students reported experiencing some type of basic needs insecurity, including not having enough food to eat, the University reported.

"For more than 30 years, Aramark has partnered with WCU to provide nutritional and educational opportunities for Golden Rams," said Fiorentino. "On the occasion of West Chester University’s 150th anniversary, our students are able to benefit from the continued generosity of a company that recognizes the dangers of food insecurity and the importance of access to healthy food choices. As a Presenting Sponsor of the University’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, Aramark’s assistance provides the priceless essentials that our students need to nourish their minds while fueling their lives. We are deeply grateful to this important partner."

West Chester University said it is committed to student success at every level of the college experience, including athletics. For student-athletes, nutrition is one of the key components for achieving optimal health and athletic performance. The Sports Nutrition Education and Fueling Program helps more than 100 student-athletes each semester. Under the supervision of Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutrition Christine Karpinski, an exercise physiologist and registered dietician, a combination of undergraduate students, graduate students, and dietetic interns provide nutrition education to student-athletes, including one-on-one consultations, individualized meal plans, team talks, and Q&A sessions; they also conduct research in these areas.

Fueling stations are key components of the program. While nutrition education helps guide student-athletes to make healthier food choices, healthy snacks at practice and Go Bags for away games or for athletes running from practice to class, provide nutrition at key points throughout the day, the University's statement explained. A typical fueling station may include fruit, vegetables, trail mix, granola bars, whole-grain snack chips, pretzels, popcorn, cheese sticks, yogurt, and chocolate milk. It would cost approximately $75,000 to provide a centralized fueling station to all WCU athletes who are in-season.

Community Partners Celebrate 150 Years Of WCU

Celebrations throughout West Chester University's 150th Anniversary year are made possible by the generosity of community partners. These include Presenting Sponsor: Aramark. Platinum Sponsors: Student Services, Inc. and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Diamond Sponsors: Essential Utilities and WCU Alumni Association. Gold Sponsor: BB&T (now Truist). Bronze Sponsors: IMS Technology Services and Meridian Bank. Purple Sponsors: Barnaby's West Chester; Clark Associates, Inc.; First Bank; MacElree Harvey; Northwestern Mutual; PSECU; Radius Systems; SEI Investments Company; TD Bank; Univest Financial; and Visual Sound.

In the photo appearing with this article, pictured from left to right are: Helen Hammerschmidt, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, WCU Foundation; Jamie Cranfill, WCU Graduate Assistant, Sports Nutrition; Sarah Holweg ’22, WCU Student-Athlete, Women’s Basketball; Dr. Christine Karpinski, Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutrition, WCU; Matthew Dade ’23, WCU Student Athlete, Men’s Basketball; Dr. Zebulun R. Davenport, Vice President for Student Affairs, WCU; Alicia Kent, Regional Vice President, Aramark; Dr. Christopher Fiorentino, President of West Chester University; Terence Beattie, Director of Athletics, WCU; Christopher Mominey, WCU Foundation CEO; Olivia Rudjord, WCU Graduate Student & Student-Athlete, Women’s Volleyball; James Hess, Resident District Manager, Higher Education, Aramark; Peter Galloway, Assistant Dean of Students, WCU; Rammy.

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