Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.66
Liaison Yumiko Jakobcic
Submission Date Feb. 13, 2013
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.2

Grand Valley State University
IN-3: Innovation 3

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Sharon Munski
Office Coordinator
Sustainability Initiative
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:

The Student Food Pantry was created in 2009 to address the issue of hunger on campus. It is located in the Women’s Center and serves an average of one student per day. All GVSU students are eligible to access the pantry. Students in need are welcome to visit the food pantry one time per week. Upon each visit students are asked to fill out a brief intake form with basic information. The intake form provides the Women's Center with valuable data which enhances our ability to attract support for the food pantry.

The pantry was created out of a need which was voiced to various faculty and staff members by students regarding their economic situation. Obtaining an adequate food supply is often a major component of the financial stress that students bear.

While community resources are available, it may be difficult for students to access them due to transportation. Also, community food resources are often unable to accommodate students based on their eligibility guidelines. Having a food supply on campus eliminates some of the barriers students may face when accessing outside sources.

The food pantry is sustained through donations from students, faculty, staff and members of the greater community. We rely on these donations in order to maintain the pantry as a resource for students. In an effort to avoid waste, we donate expired items to God’s Kitchen located in downtown Grand Rapids.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.