Members of Penn State’s student ceramics club, called “clay cOven,” decided to do something about food insecurity among their peers. As part of the “Bowled Over” project, student artists sold limited-edition, student-produced bowls these past two years. And they raised $3,500 for the student-run Lion’s Food Pantry.
“Penn State Ceramics likes to lead with generosity, and so naturally giving back is forever on my mind,” said associate professor Shannon Goff, noting that she and “Bowled Over” co-director and former Penn State faculty member Kris Grey originally envisioned a collaboration involving units across the University. “Despite our excitement and commitment to what was becoming Bowled Over, we never could have expected a global pandemic. We weren’t willing to give up, but scaled back due to COVID-19… It has been a joy to witness how the process emboldened and bonded the students. Bowled Over strengthened our community, connectivity and engagement with the fight against food insecurity in the region, all while making art accessible.”
Resources are available on every Penn State campus for students facing challenges with food and housing insecurity. Food pantries are available on each campus or in the community, plus Student Affairs staff members are available who can assist students in determining their eligibility for public assistance and in navigating the application processes for such programs.
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