Combating Food Insecurities

Abstract

In this poster presentation we will highlight some of the challenges and best practices we discovered through our food pantry initiative. , In 2017, a Grand Rapids Community College study showed that more than 40% of its students faced food insecurity at some point during their college experience. With encouragement from our Director and support of our Dean, we (the GRCC Library) made a plan to install a food pantry for our students in an effort to decrease this statistic. Initially, the pantry was supplied solely by donations from staff and students and is now supplemented through a budget line in our Student Life & Conduct department. It was apparent to us that if many of our students could not afford to buy food, they were probably in need of other essential products, such as menstrual products and other personal care items. So, we began supplying tampons and pads in our restrooms and included items like deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc. in our pantry. , Through sharing our experience addressing food insecurity at our library, we hope to inspire others to begin similar practices by providing attendees with the necessary information and tools to do so.