GVL Tech Corner: How Greenville Tech is helping tackle student food insecurity - Greenville Journal

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Research from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice indicates that in 2020, 39% of students at two-year institutions reported some level of food insecurity. Some were skipping meals to make ends meet while others were worried their food supply would run out before they got the money to buy more.

Fifty-two percent of community college students reported being housing insecure. They may have moved frequently, going from one precarious situation to another. Or they could have fallen behind on rent, concerned that an eviction would result.

Research conducted at Greenville Technical College has yielded similar statistics. Fifty-six percent of students have experienced at least one form of basic needs insecurity, and half qualify as low income.

One of the ways GTC works to ease insecurity is through an on-campus food pantry, Caring Corner. The pantry was established by employees who saw a need and took steps to address it. In 2016, it was named in honor of Laurie Pufpaff, a well-respected nursing instructor who passed away that year. Before her death, she established a fund for the pantry, ensuring its ability to support students in difficult circumstances into the future.

Since it was established, demand has grown. Last year, as the pandemic disrupted employment for many, there were 274 visits to Caring Corner including 132 students helped for the first time.

Fifty-two percent of community college students reported being housing insecure.

Donors have been instrumental in seeing Pufpaff’s vision sustained. Since 2015, community partners have given nearly $44,000 to see the work of Caring Corner continue. Last year was the strongest year yet, with more than $26,000 donated.

Since employees see the impact of hunger on students first-hand, support starts on campus. Employees participating in the Greenville Tech Foundation’s annual Faculty/Staff Campaign can designate Caring Corner for their gifts. Last year, that fund was one of the top three choices, helping students succeed by reducing the barrier of food insecurity.

To request help, students can call or stop by, accessing assistance once or as regularly as twice a month. In addition, referrals help Caring Corner staff reach out to those in need. Staff members follow up with students who’ve received help to see how they’re doing and provide additional resources as needed. Thanks to Amazon-style lockers, students will soon be able to pick up food 24 hours a day/seven days a week.

Caring Corner is just one aspect of the wrap-around assistance offered through Greenville Technical College’s STAR (Student Assistance and Resources) Program, with a mission of helping students stay in class. Conversations may start with food and housing needs and branch into other obstacles, which the program works to address. For more information, please contact Rick Grant at (864)250-8743.

GVL Tech Corner is a monthly submitted column highlighting Greenville Technical College’s latest news, academic achievements, trends and topics.

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