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!
Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized
By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
If you need a quick meal to eat before work, then tuna may be the perfect option that will keep you full and ready to take on the day. There are a variety of ways to incorporate tuna into your meal plan if you don’t like eating it straight out of the can.
Not only is tuna flavorful, but it is also tied to various health benefits. For instance, Tuna contains rich amounts of vitamin B12, which is needed in red blood cell formations and DNA functionings, according to WebMD. Since vitamin B12 aids in red blood cell formation, tuna can act as a food that helps protect against anemia — a conditioned associated with low amounts of red blood cells in the human body, which can cause fatigue over time.
Tuna is also known for its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which is “associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease” along with other health benefits, the WebMD article said. As a lean meat that’s typically high in protein and low in fat, tuna can be a great food to add to one’s diet.
Check out these 9 tuna-based recipe suggestions to gain inspiration for your meals this week!
1. Tuna Salad
Mix canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onions, parsley, salt and pepper in a bowl. Optional additives include Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried fruits. Incorporate your desired serving of each of these ingredients. Once combined, eat the tuna salad on a sandwich, within a wrap, or as a regular dip. The options are endless.
This is a refreshing dish to whip up on a warm summer day!
2. Tuna Bagels
Add regular tuna — or your homemade tuna salad — to a bagel with cream cheese and avocado for a delectable breakfast treat.
3. Alfredo Tuna Pasta
Boil your choice of pasta until softened. Place your tuna into a skillet on low heat and cook until lightly browned, and add your tuna into the cooked pasta. Top the dish with your desired amount of Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese.
4. Tuna Melt Sandwich
Who doesn’t enjoy a classic grilled cheese sandwich? Consider adding canned tuna to your grilled cheese for additional protein and flavor. Dip the sandwich into your traditional tomato soup, and enjoy!
5. Tuna-Filled Baked Potato
Baked potatoes are a quick and easy meal to whip up in a flash. After cooking your potatoes in the microwave or oven until softened, cut them open and fill them with butter, cheese and tuna. It will be scrumptious and ready to eat in no time.
6. Tuna-Topped Pizza
Consider adding canned tuna as a topping of your next homemade pizza. Movie night wouldn’t be complete without pizza, so why not try something new?
After rolling out your dough, pour Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and tuna on top. Feel free to include your other favorite toppings as well. This could be your next movie night staple.
7. Bean and Tuna Salad
Incorporate a can of rinsed white beans, a can of tuna, and finely chopped green onions into a medium bowl. Once combined, add olive oil and lemon juice into the mixture along with your desired amount of salt and pepper.
The end result will be a delicious bean and tuna salad that would be perfect for picnics, gatherings and your average Thursday night snack.
8. Tuna Tacos
Rather than using ground beef for your next Taco Tuesday celebration, consider using tuna.
Sprinkle taco seasoning onto your tuna to add extra flavor to the dish, and incorporate your favorite toppings — like tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, sriracha sauce — for a delicious dinner.
9. Tuna Quesadillas
In a medium bowl, mix a can of tuna, a chopped tomato, a can of tomato paste, a minced garlic clove and olive oil together. Once combined, spread the mixture onto half of your tortilla. Top with your choice of shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook in a pan until golden on both sides.
Another tuna quesadilla recipe requires mixing 2 Tbsp of cream cheese and 1 ½ tsps. of sriracha sauce together in a bowl. Once combined, add a can of drained tuna, a minced garlic clove, and a spoonful of basil. Once the mixture is spread across half of your quesadilla, sprinkle your desired choice of shredded cheese on top and toast in a pan until golden brown.
There are many variations to this dish, and they all have their merits depending on your preferences.
Consider making a donation of canned tuna to The Lion’s Pantry. Not only is tuna inexpensive and low calorie, but it is also a delicious source of protein with ranging health benefits. Help us stock up our shelves and ensure students have these resources to make tuna-based meals.
What is your favorite dish to make with tuna? Be sure to share your recipe ideas with us!
