August 17, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is partnering with Plainsong Farm in Rockford to provide fresh produce to students struggling with food insecurity during the coronavirus crisis.
GRCC’s Office of Student Life since March has offered curbside food distribution, so far providing more than 1,100 bags of non-perishable food along with frozen meats, fruit, and eggs. The college also has provided household cleaning and hygiene supplies, baby food, formula, diapers and wipes, and pet food.
Plainsong Farm is the program’s most recent partner, joining GRCC Student Alliance, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Feeding America West Michigan and GRCC employees.
“As a non-profit educational farm, it made so much sense for us to partner with GRCC,” said Nurya Parish, the farm’s founding executive director. “We're here to serve our community with good food and learning opportunities. We're excited to be making a difference together.”
The non-profit organization has so far been able to provide about 400 pounds of produce; including tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, and other items grown on Plainsong’s 12 Mile Road fields.
“West Michigan is a caring community, and we are delighted to have a partner like Plainsong Farms step up and make a difference for our students,” said Lina Blair, director of GRCC’s Office of Student Life and Conduct. “Students and their families are struggling. Many have been excited to choose from a wide variety of healthy, farm-fresh produce to bring home.”
More than 70% of GRCC students attend part time, scheduling classes around work and home responsibilities. With many area employers limiting hours or closing their doors in response to the crisis, more students face food and housing insecurity.
The next distribution is planned for 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, outside GRCC’s Student Community Center at 122 Lyon St. NE. The college also frequently updates a website – grcc.edu/gethelp – with campus and community resources for housing, food and other challenges.
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.