Blog, Lion's Pantry News, Uncategorized
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.– The Lion’s Pantry, the official on-campus student food pantry at Penn State’s University Park campus, announces fall hours beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
Fall open hours will be as follows throughout the fall semester:
- Monday from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
- Wednesday from 2:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
- Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hours may change based on campus closures or other extenuating circumstances, so please follow The Lion’s Pantry on social media for updates.
Created in 2014 to address food insecurity within the Penn State community, The Lion’s Pantry is both student-created and student-led. The Lion’s Pantry serves every student with a valid Penn State ID with free food and household supplies — no questions asked.
The Lion’s Pantry accepts monetary and physical donations from the Penn State community to stock its shelves with desired unexpired, unopened and non-perishable food and household products.
Financial gifts can be mailed to the following address:
Student Affair Development
2601 Gateway Drive, #175
State College, PA 16801
Physical donations can be delivered to the Pantry during open hours and by appointment.
For students without a mode of transportation, the campus shuttle runs weekdays until 6 p.m. and drops students off on Big Hollow Rd near the Pantry’s facilities.
The Lion’s Pantry completed a series of renovations during the summer to expand its services, including adding refrigeration and freezers to the facility to improve offerings.
The Pantry will be hosting an open house on Friday, Sept. 9, from 4-7 p.m. to allow the Penn State community to see the recently completed renovations that will allow more student needs to be met.
In addition to the Pantry’s main location on Big Hollow Rd, Cub Pantries are located across Penn State’s campus to ensure food is readily accessible to students.
Cub Pantries serve as Lion’s Pantry partners across Penn State’s campus to ensure food is more accessible to students.
Students can access Cub Pantries at the following locations during the fall semester:
- Student Disability Resources, 101 Boucke
- Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity, Lower Level, 0011 HUB
- Student Veteran Center, 146 Ritenour
- Student Care and Advocacy, 120 Boucke
- Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, Lobby
- EMS (Earth and Mineral Sciences) Library, 105 Deike
- Office for Off Campus Student Support, 204 E. Calder Way, Suite 200
- Gender Equity Center, 204 Boucke
- Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library, 201 Davey Laboratory
- University Health Services (UHS), Student Health Center
Open hours at each Cub Pantry location are the hours of each respective office.
The Lion’s Pantry team is excited to continue feeding their fellow lions, providing resources for those in need and spreading awareness about food insecurity.
Please contact thelionspantry@psu.edu with questions about fall operations.
Blog, Lion's Pantry News, Uncategorized
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.– The Lion’s Pantry, the official on-campus student food pantry at Penn State’s University Park campus, invites the Penn State community to attend its Fall Open House on Friday, Sept. 9, from 4-7 p.m. to see recent renovations and new offerings.
The Lion’s Pantry completed a series of renovations throughout the summer to expand its services, including the installation of refrigeration and freezers to expand perishable food offerings.
The Lion’s Pantry Open House will occur at the Pantry’s facility on Big Hollow Rd near Lion Surplus.
For students and visitors without transportation, the campus shuttle runs weekdays until 6 p.m. and drops students off on Big Hollow Rd near the Pantry’s facilities.
Event attendees can tour the newly renovated facility during the Open House as well as learn about food insecurity through our informational postings around the market.
Guests will have the opportunity to grab some light refreshments and interact with the Student Executive Team, who will greet guests and answer questions about the Pantry throughout the event.
The Lion’s Pantry Open House will also have a collection bin for donations on site.
“This is going to be an exciting year for our organization,” Lion’s Pantry President Taylor Dorsett said. “We are focusing on increasing collaboration, both in and outside the PSU community. Join us at our Open House to learn more about what we do, meet the executive team, and to see the newly renovated Pantry!
Created in 2014 to address food insecurity within the Penn State community, The Lion’s Pantry is both student-created and student-led. The Lion’s Pantry serves every student with a valid Penn State ID with free food and household supplies — no questions asked.
The Lion’s Pantry accepts monetary and physical donations from the Penn State community to stock its shelves with unexpired, unopened, and non-perishable food and household products.
Financial gifts can be mailed to the following address:
Student Affairs Development
2601 Gateway Drive, #175
State College, PA 16801
Physical donations can be delivered to the Pantry during open hours and by appointment.
The Lion’s Pantry team is excited to continue feeding their fellow lions, providing resources for those in need and spreading awareness about food insecurity.
During the summer construction, The Lion’s Pantry operated out of a temporary location — also on Big Hollow Rd — to continue serving the student body in the State College area. However, the team is excited to operate this fall out of the renovated facility.
The Lion’s Pantry will hold open hours this fall during the following times:
- Monday from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
- Wednesday from 2:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
- Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Open hours will develop throughout the semester depending on student needs and our student helpers’ availability.
Hours may change based on campus closures or other extenuating circumstances, so please follow our social media accounts for all updates!
Please contact thelionspantry@psu.edu with questions about fall operations or the upcoming Lion’s Pantry Fall Open House.
Blog, Features, Uncategorized
Who is Taylor Dorsett?
Taylor Dorsett is a senior majoring in Biobehavioral Health with a minor in Human Development. She currently serves as the president of The Lion’s Pantry for the 2022-2023 academic year.
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The Lion’s Pantry Involvement:
- President (2022-2023)
- Manager since Fall 2020
- First person to be D&I (Diversity and Inclusion) Chair for The Lion’s Pantry after suggesting the position be added to the Executive Board
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Other Involvement and Extracurriculars:
- Member of NCNW (the National Council of Negro Women chapter at Penn State)
- Co-Coordinator for the Student Advisory Board on Student Poverty (2022-2023 Year)
- Undergrad Teaching Intern in HDFS (Human Development and Family Studies)
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Why did you decide to join The Lion’s Pantry team?
I have always volunteered at pantries. It’s a passion of my mom’s, and I naturally took a liking to it. I wanted to find a way to give back to our students and make positive change at PSU!
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What is your role with The Lion’s Pantry? What are you looking forward to bringing or implementing to The Lion’s Pantry in the upcoming academic year?
As the 2022-2023 President, I want to focus on visibility and collaboration across the campus. By working with other organizations, we reach as many students as possible and reduce the stigma relating to poverty and food insecurity.
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What is your favorite part about working with The Lion’s Pantry?
I like seeing how willing the community is to help out. We often have volunteer groups and individuals come in, and they’re always so excited to help out, which is always nice to see. The Exec team is also full of great people, and I’m glad I get to work with them.
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What are you most looking forward to for the upcoming academic year with regard to your role with the Pantry?
This is such a big year of change for PSU. We have our first queer person of color as UPUA President and our first woman of color as University President. Both of whom are invested in helping students on issues of affordability and food insecurity. To add to that, we will have a Director of the Lion’s Pantry soon, which is a new position. I’m confident these changes will result in progressive initiatives to better serve our students. I’m also excited about our renovations and our new ability to have fresh produce at the Pantry!
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If you could talk to an incoming student interested in joining The Lion’s Pantry, what would you like them to know about this organization?
I would say in the past we operated as more of a resource compared to a student-run, student-led affiliated organization. This year, we are focusing on making the club as fun as possible with a lot of great volunteer opportunities in store. We are obviously task-oriented, but we can have fun too, and I hope you’ll join us in the fall!
Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized
By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
Do you have leftover flour tortillas and taco shells after Taco Tuesday dinner?
There are a variety of recipes that can be made using these ingredients to minimize food waste and spice up one’s diet. Check out these 7 recipe ideas for cooking inspiration.
1. Nachos
Break the taco shells and create delicious nachos with cheese, beans, olives, guacamole and other fan-favorite ingredients. Some other ingredient ideas include sour cream, jalapeños, corn, ground beef, avocado, chili, salsa, lettuce, hot sauce, peppers and onions.
2. Breakfast Tacos
Fill your taco shell with breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, salsa, hot sauce and bacon. This will be a quick and easy dish to start your day with, especially before a long day in class or work.
3. Salad Topping
Break the taco shells and use them on your salad for added crunch. This would be the perfect addition to a homemade taco salad using lettuce, red onions, sour cream, medium salsa, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, beans and your choice of meat.
4. Chicken Quesadillas
If you have leftover flour tortillas, use the wraps to make chicken and cheese quesadillas. Fill the tortillas with cheddar cheese, pinto or black beans, canned chicken, and other ingredients that will give you an explosion of southwest flavor. Heat until your ingredients are warmed and melted to your liking.
5. Tortilla Pinwheels
Use your flour tortillas to make pinwheel snacks for any occasion. Here are five recipe ideas to try this week:
- Ham & Cheese Pinwheels = Ham + Swiss Cheese + Spinach + Cream Cheese + Onions
- Turkey Ranch Pinwheels = Turkey + Ranch Dressing + Chopped Lettuce + American Cheese + Cream Cheese
- Pizza Pinwheels = Tomato Sauce + Mozzarella + Pepperoni + Garlic Salt
- Veggie Pinwheels = Cream Cheese + Garlic Powder + Black Pepper and Salt + Bell Pepper + Green Onions + Broccoli + Carrots + Spinach + Cheese
- Southwest Pinwheels = Sour Cream + Taco Seasoning + Garlic Powder + Olives + Salsa + Cheddar Cheese + Green Onions
6. Tortilla Pizza
Spread salsa over your flour tortilla, rather than pizza sauce. Then, top the dish with Mexican-Style cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
7. Cinnamon And Sugar Tortilla Chips
Cover your flour tortilla with melted butter and sprinkle with a generous helping of cinnamon and sugar. Bake in the oven until the tortilla chips are brown and crisp.
What is your favorite way to use your leftover tortilla shells? Share your recommendations with us.
Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized
By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
In moderation, raisins act as a healthy alternative to chocolate-based treats and other sweeteners. Like many other dried fruits, raisins can be high in sugar; however, they have many health benefits, according to Healthline.
For instance, as a form of soluble fiber, raisins aid digestion and gut health. Studies demonstrate that raisins can provide heart health benefits through reductions in blood pressure and managing blood sugar levels, according to WebMD.
If you’re looking for some new ways to incorporate these treats into your diet, look no further. We have 6 suggestions for you that will be perfect when meal planning.
1. Stir raisins into your salad.
Raisins can elevate the taste of your salad. Sprinkle raisins in along with walnuts, chopped apple, red onions, spinach, shredded American cheese and celery. This will result in a fresh and flavorful meal, especially after a hot day in the sun.
Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi on Pexels
2. Incorporate raisins within homemade trail mix.
The perfect trail mix combo contains dried fruit like raisins, seeds, nuts, and sweet treats like chocolate. If you need a quick, energizing snack after a long day of work, trail mix is a solid option that is easy to make and enjoy.
If you need a trail mix recipe suggestion, then we have you covered. Combine 1 ½ cups of peanuts, 1 cup of cashews, ½ cup of raisins and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips in a bowl. Separate into sealable bags for an easily portable snack.
3. Make “Ants on a Log” as a traditional afternoon snack.
“Ants on a Log” is a common childhood snack composed of chopped celery, a dollop of peanut butter, and raisins. Other variations of “Ants on a Log” including dips, spreads, or yogurt, rather than peanut butter.
4. Add raisins into your popcorn.
Rather than sprinkling chocolate candies on your popcorn for additional sweetness, consider using raisins—a healthy but delicious alternative.
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
5. Incorporate raisins into your morning oatmeal or parfait.
Add extra flavor to your breakfast by pouring your desired helping of raisins into your oatmeal.
To complement your dish, sprinkle in 2 tbsp of brown sugar, ¼ tsp of ground nutmeg, 1 tsp of vanilla, and ½ tsp of ground cinnamon. Nuts like walnuts and pecans will be the perfect ingredient to top off your dish.
Raisins also make great parfait toppings along with granola, nuts and other fruit-based products.
6. Whip up some No-Bake Raisin Cookies.
If you’re a cookie lover, then these no-bake raisin cookies will be right up your alley.
You’ll need the following ingredients: ½ cup raisins, 1 ½ cups rolled oats, 1 cup of nut butter, and ½ cup maple syrup. Including extra spices like cinnamon can add extra flavor to your dish.
Mix all the ingredients together in a medium-size bowl. Helpful tip: warm your peanut butter or almond butter and maple syrup in a separate container in the microwave for 20 seconds for easier mixing. Once combined, separate the mixture into inch-sized chunks, and chill in the fridge until solid.
What is your favorite way to incorporate raisins into your diet? Share your tips and suggestions with us!
Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized
By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
Why eat traditional S’mores when you could elevate the dish with substitutions and additives that add flavor and texture? Here are 22 S’mores recipes that you should try this season.
1. Eggo S’mores = Kellogg’s Eggo Waffles + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
Photo by George Pagan on Unsplash
2. Reese’s S’mores = Graham Crackers + Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup + Marshmallows + Peanut Butter (optional)
3. Peanut Butter S’mores = Graham Crackers + Peanut Butter + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
4. Nutella S’mores = Graham Crackers + Nutella Spread + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
5. Nutter Butter S’mores = Nutter Butter Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
6. Spiced Marshmallow S’mores = Graham Crackers + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows + Cinnamon + Chili Powder
7. Mint S’mores = Graham Crackers + Andes Mints + Marshmallows + Chocolate Syrup
Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels
8. Berry S’mores = Graham Crackers + Chopped Berries + Marshmallows + White Chocolate Bar
9. Maple Bacon S’mores = Graham Crackers + Marshmallows + Bacon + Maple Syrup + Caramel
10. Pizzelle Cookie S’mores = Pizzelle Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallow
Photo by Ben Stein on Unsplash
11. Cookie Dough S’mores = Graham Crackers + Edible Cookie Dough + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows + Chocolate Syrup
12. Potato Crisp S’mores = Graham Crackers + Potato Chips + Dark Chocolate Bar + Marshmallow
13. Oreo S’mores = Oreo Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows + Chocolate Syrup
14. Elvis S’mores = Bacon, Marshmallow, Banana, Peanut Butter, Honey
Photo by John Dancy on Unsplash
15. Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores = Chocolate Chip Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallows
16. Pineapple S’mores = Graham Crackers + Pineapple Slices + Shredded Coconut Flakes + White Chocolate
17. Spiced Apple Caramel S’mores = Graham Crackers + Milk Chocolate Bar + Sliced Apples + Cinnamon + Nutmeg + Dulce De Leche or Caramel Syrup
Photo by Yulia Khlebnikova on Unsplash
18. Salted Caramel S’mores = Graham Crackers + Caramel Syrup + Marshmallows + Salt
19. Fudge Striped Cookie S’mores = Fudge Striped Cookies + Chocolate Bar + Marshmallow
20. Brownie S’mores = Brownies + Chocolate Bar + Sprinkles + Marshmallow
21. S’mores-Stuffed Strawberry = Dig out the center of the strawberry + fill it with dark chocolate chips, marshmallow and crushed graham crackers + warm over fire
22. S’mores Ice Cream Cone = Stuff an ice cream cone with chocolate and marshmallows + wrap it in foil + place on the fire like a foil pack.
Be sure to share your favorite S’mores variations with us!
