Giving Tuesday will focus on Replenish, helping ensure students have access to food, basic needs

The number of student visits to the Replenish Basic Needs Center this fall is nearly double over last year's figures.

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, compared to 453 visits last fall. The numbers are higher, Lee said, because of factors like inflation, the end of some COVID-19 food assistance benefits, and more awareness of Replenish.

"There's a myth out there that college students have all that they need," Lee said. "That's not true. Our students have challenges sustaining themselves."

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 November 28. There are numerous ways to support the basic needs center throughout November.

• Campus food drive: Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at locations across campus through December 1.
• Challenge gifts: Challenge gifts have been created for alumni and faculty and staff: Peter DeWitt '68 & Galene DeWitt '67 will match $1 for every $1 donated by GVSU alumni to the Replenish Student Food Resource Fund up to $5,000. Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for Student Affairs, and Scott Hall-Jones created a $1,000 challenge that will be unlocked after 75 faculty and staff members make a gift of any size to the Replenish Student Food Resource Fund.
• Stop by the Giving Tuesday Celebration on November 28 in the Kirkhof Center lobby from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for free food, care bag decorating, and to drop off food drive donations.

The Replenish Student Food Resource Fund is one of many GVSU funds the campus community can contribute to on November 28.

Giving Tuesday