Ithaca College

 Senior IC student brings national Swipe Out Hunger initiative to campus. 

Beginning in August 2018, students participating in a meal plan through Ithaca Dining will have the option to anonymously transfer one of their unused guest swipes to other students on campus currently combating food insecurity. This initiative marks the beginning phase of Swipe Out Hunger, a national program currently active on 40 campuses representing 18 different states. To date students have provided over 1.4 million meals through Swipe Out Hunger.

Unagh Frank, a Senior Documentary Studies and Production major at Ithaca College, first conceived of bringing Swipe Out Hunger to Ithaca while enrolled in course entitled, “Cultural Competence Development for Helping Professions” during her sophomore year. Students in the course were tasked with presenting a final project to address a certain societal need. Frank elected to address food insecurity on college campuses, a growing concern nationwide.  

Nationally more than a quarter of college students face food insecurity.  

“After completing the course, I felt that this is a project that I could follow through with” said Frank.  

Frank connected with Lauren Goldberg, the Executive Director of Hillel at Ithaca College, during fall of 2017. Goldberg then was able to put Frank in touch with key university offices whose support was needed for ensuring the success of the proposal.

One especially notable university staff member who proved instrumental in ensuring the success of this initiative is David Prunty, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services. Frank undertook this project as part of her Engagement Internship through Hillel.

Several other students also joined in the initiative, and a team comprised of Nabillah Abdallah, Aaron Segal, and Rachel Steinmetz formed to help bring Swipe Out Hunger to Ithaca College. Each student brought unique perspectives and passion to the project, helping to make Swipe Out Hunger a reality.  

Students who wish to participate in Swipe Out Hunger will be able to sign up for the program inside the Campus Center from August 29th to September 19th. 

For more information on how to become involved in Swipe Out Hunger email Unagh Frank at ufrank@ithaca.edu.