New Program to Address Student Food Insecurity at Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Valley Food Share, a new initiative designed to meet the immediate food needs of Kalamazoo Valley Community College students, kicks off March 12.

Through the program, currently enrolled students can pick up a bag of food (or share), which includes fresh seasonal produce grown locally and sourced through the college’s Food Innovation Center on the Bronson Healthy Living Campus, as well as nonperishable items acquired through a partnership with community partners, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. Local suppliers donating seasonal produce and dairy products include Crisp Country Acres in Holland, MOO-ville Creamery in Nashville and Joe's Farm in Schoolcraft.

“A significant number of Kalamazoo Valley students experience food insecurity every day,” said President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D. “This issue deeply impacts students’ educational efforts and outcomes. For some students, food insecurity can lead to choosing between buying groceries and paying for classes. Valley Food Share organizers hope to eliminate having to make that choice.”

A limited number of shares will be available on a first come, first served basis every Tuesday for currently enrolled Kalamazoo Valley students. Distribution sites will alternate between the Texas Township and Arcadia Commons Campuses. Students must show a valid student identification card to participate. Recipe cards with healthy, go-to meal ideas, based on the ingredients in each share, will also be included.

“At Kalamazoo Valley, we believe in the transformative power of education to improve the health and well-being of our community,” Washington said. “These food shares and recipe cards will help our students prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals. I’m pleased to see the Valley Food Share program come to fruition.”

Studies show that approximately 25% of community college students struggle with food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable and nutritious food.

Food donations to the Valley Food Share are always accepted. For a complete list of items needed and where to donate, please email foodshare@kvcc.edu or visit: https://www.kvcc.edu/pdfs/KVCC_FoodShare_Poster.pdf

Distribution dates and locations:

March 12, 2-4 p.m. Student Commons Texas Township Campus

March 19, 2-4 p.m. Outside Room 121 Anna Whitten Hall

March 26, 2-4 p.m. Student Commons Texas Township Campus

April 2, 2-4 p.m. Outside Room 121 Anna Whitten Hall

April 9, 2-4 p.m. Student Commons Texas Township Campus

April 16, 2-4 p.m. Outside Room 121 Anna Whitten Hall

April 23, 2-4 p.m. Student Commons Texas Township Campus