By Michele Coffill
GVSU University Communications
The number of student visits to the Replenish Basic Needs Center locations at Grand Valley State University this fall is nearly double that of 2022.
Lariesha Lee, assistant director for the Center for Women and Gender Equity, coordinates Replenish and food security initiatives on campus. Lee said there were 736 visits to Replenish in September and October. There were 453 visits last fall.
The numbers are higher, Lee said, because of factors such as inflation, the end of COVID-19 food assistance benefits, and more awareness of Replenish.
“There’s a myth out there that college students have all that they need,” said Lee. “That’s not true. Our students have challenges sustaining themselves.”
How to give back on Giving Tuesday
For the second consecutive year, the Grand Valley community will rally around the Replenish Student Food Resource Fund during Giving Tuesday, the national philanthropic day of giving after Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
Last year, more than $45,000 was raised for Replenish during Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday is Nov. 28. More information and a link to make donations to the Replenish Student Food Resource Fund can be found online.
