Why does GVSU need a food pantry for students?
Many students have voiced concern to various faculty and staff members on campus regarding their economic situation. Obtaining an adequate food supply is often a major component of the financial stress that students bear. A GVSU staff member who works directly with students had the following to say about the need for an on-campus food pantry, “On a near daily basis, I witness college students who are scrounging for free food… I have often wondered how these GVSU college students are able to make it out there and what they do when they are hungry and go back to empty or near empty cupboards.” Another GVSU staff member that also provides direct service to students stated, “Helping Grand Valley’s neediest with the cost of food would allow those students to focus their time, money, and energy upon more academic pursuits.” Research exists that shows a relationship between inadequate nutrition and decreased academic performance. An article by Wolfe, Burkman, and Streng (2000) describes the
