Students at Grand Valley State University face problems with food insecurity. This means individuals do not always know where they will find their next meal. The inadequate supply of nutritious foods affects their academic success, as well as their physical and emotional health.

 

The problem with many universities is that students are too hungry to learn. They have a limited income and few financial support systems. According to a campus climate survey during the 2011-2012 year, 57 percent of students at GVSU experience financial hardship. They spend thousands of dollars a semester for things like tuition, books, housing and food.

 

Many students have voiced concern to various faculty and staff members regarding their economic situation. The food pantry at GVSU responds quickly to the most important resource students need, food.

 “We work toward educating students on healthy food choices, while also eliminating hunger on campus,” said assistant director Brittany Dernberger.

 

According to a non-profit organization, Feeding America, in 2012, 33.1 million adults in the United States experienced food insecurity.  Food insecurity can have major consequences on the physical and mental health of young adults. According to the Feeding America website, food insecure individuals may experience higher levels of aggression and anxiety. It may also hinder their ability to live a full and active life. They may develop diabetes or a wide range of chronic illnesses such as hypertension and various cardiovascular diseases.

 

The GVSU food pantry is housed in the Women’s Center inside the Kirkhof Center. The location eliminates all barriers that students have with accessing food off campus. All students qualify for assistance from the food pantry. The food pantry trusts that individuals who take advantage of the service are those who don’t have money to buy food.

 

According to the GVSU website, to access the service students need to present a valid student ID.  Then they will be able to fill a grocery bag with non-perishable items. Students are then able to access the food pantry twice a month. Food choices include rice, soup, pasta, cereal, granola bars and more.

 

The Grand Valley State University Food Pantry opened in April 2009. It was created by undergraduate students hoping to make a difference. Susana Villagomez-Barajas suggested a food bank on campus after various students discussed their struggle with paying the bills. She talked to the director of GVSU's Women's Center, who put together a task force of school counselors and financial aid officials. These individuals confirmed that a food pantry would benefit a student’s health and academics. Since then, students use the food pantry daily.

 

According to Dernberger, the 2011-2012 school year had 376 visits, 119 unduplicated visits, and 569 household members, which are those individuals that are under the care of students attending GVSU. During the 2012- 2013 school the number of visits went up to 505 visits, 138 unduplicated visits and 700 household members.

 

“The number of students every year continues to go up, so we know that the need is still out there and continuing to be an issue,” said Dernberger.