Campus food pantries and basic‑needs programs are seeing sharp increases as surveys show roughly 40% of college students face food insecurity. Penn State Harrisburg reported a jump from single‑digit weekly pantry visits to daily demand, reflecting a broader national pattern. College administrators and student‑affairs leaders are expanding pantry hours, emergency grants and meal plan supports to address immediate needs. Campus leaders link rising demand to inflation‑driven household strains, stagnant financial aid, and gaps in short‑term relief mechanisms. Student‑services staff warn that sustained food insecurity correlates with lower retention and academic performance, prompting increased interest among provosts and financial‑aid offices in targeted emergency funds and cross‑sector partnerships.