Editorial revision 08/27 – The original article incorrectly stated that international students are eligible for SNAP benefits. The article has been updated to state they are ineligible.
Editorial revisions 09/02 – The original article stated that Replenish was opened in 2018. The article has been updated to state the Health Campus location opened in 2018, with the Allendale location opening in 2009. Additionally, Benjamin Ohene’s job title has been clarified to reflect that he is a graduate assistant.
While food insecurity has been a prolonged issue in the United States, many may not realize the impact it has on a significant portion of college students.
As the country’s wealth gap increases alongside the cost of living and education, many students find themselves unable to afford sufficient meals. A 2024 study from Feeding America West Michigan and Aquinas College examined food insecurity at GVSU, and compared to students surveyed at Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas, GVSU scored the highest in student food insecurity.
Feeding America’s research comes alongside numerous national studies, which have backed this disturbing trend. A government estimate from 2024 put the amount of food insecure college students at 23%, while a study published by Temple University this February found 41% had experienced insecurity in the last year.
“Even though it can feel embarrassing or even shameful to ask for help with food, food insecurity is common and often temporary,” said Claire Bode, Feeding America West Michigan’s neighbor engagement specialist. “Food pantry staff should also be able to help you find other resources you need.”
Bode identified several factors that contribute to food insecurity among college students, including inflation, suppressed wages, shortened work hours and limited options for those with dietary restrictions. Further, college students face unique limitations when trying to receive food aid. In order to receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a student must work at least 20 hours per week, be in a work-study program or have a $0 contribution on their FAFSA. International students also face significant challenges. While already facing limits on where and how much they can work while in school, they are ineligible for SNAP benefits.
The study included several recommendations for GVSU, including the implementation of a basic needs statement on all course syllabi, reinstating the incentive for student workers to receive one free meal for every four hours worked and allowing workers to take home leftover food that would otherwise be discarded. It was also recommended the student body be regularly emailed information about Replenish, the University’s food pantry.
Students opened Replenish in 2009 and a second location on the Pew Campus was opened through The Gayle R. Davis Center for Women & Gender Equity (CWGE) in 2018. According to the study, 38% of food insecure students across two focus groups were unaware of Replenish.
Replenish expanded in 2023 to become a Basic Needs Center, providing things like school supplies and menstrual products, as well as clothing on a limited basis. There are no income requirements to access Replenish. Any student in need can utilize it if they present their GVSU ID or G-Number. Another service provided by Replenish is the Laker Meal Share program, which allows students to donate their unused meal swipes. Still, Replenish isn’t directly funded by the University itself, but rather supported by donations.
“Replenish’s mission is to eliminate barriers to student success by ensuring the Laker community has access to food and other basic needs,” said CWGE Graduate Assistant Benjamin Ohene. “(Replenish) is not just for people facing food insecurity alone, it’s for everybody in the Laker community.”
Bode further advised students to use their voices to advocate for change, both from the University and the government.
“Check out the national nonprofit Swipe Out Hunger, which advocates for increased funding for food programs on campus,” Bode said. “Or, (you can) work with your student government to draw attention to this issue, so that more funding is raised and allocated. (Similarly), contact your elected officials in Lansing and D.C. to let them know how you’ve been affected by food and basic needs insecurity.”
Students in need can reach the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s F.O.R. (Food and Other Resources) help line at 1-888-544-8773. Replenish’s two locations are on the lower level of the Kirkhof Center and third floor of the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences. Updated hours will be posted as the semester begins.
