Oct. 5, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is making it easier for students struggling with food insecurity to get meals and is partnering with culinary students for tips on preparing dishes.
GRCC’s Office of Student Life has offered weekly curbside food distribution since the coronavirus crisis started in March, and moved indoors at the start of the fall semester.
Starting Monday, Oct. 5, students may pick up a food package anytime the Student Life Office is open, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is located on the first floor of the Student Community Center, 122 Lyon St. NE. Students can visit once per week and need to check in at the front desk.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for students to have access to the food pantry while they are struggling,” said Lina Blair, director of GRCC’s Office of Student Life. “We’re here to support them during these difficult times so they can focus on their education.”
Student Life since March has provided about 1,300 bags of nonperishable food – such as canned fruit, noodles, cereal and rice -- along with frozen meats, fruit, and eggs. The college also has provided fresh produce as well as household cleaning and hygiene supplies, baby food, formula, diapers and wipes, and pet food.
The college also has created a new webpage with recipes using the groceries available in the food pantry. A student in GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is working with Student Life to compile the recipes, which are available here. A copy of the recipe link will be texted to students who use the pantry.
The Secchia partnership is the latest campus and community effort in support of the food pantry. The Student Alliance has donated $38,000, and the college was awarded a $48,796 grant from Kent County and the Heart of West Michigan United Way, and a $10,000 grant from United Way's Coronavirus Response Fund.
The college also has teamed up with Feeding America West Michigan, I Support the Girls and Plainsong Farm to provide food and other supplies.
Additional distribution dates are posted on the college’s Get Help website: grcc.edu/gethelp.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.