On-Campus Food Pantry at Grays Harbor College Receives $10,000 Donation
Posted on: Nov, 26, 2024
The Harbor Landing Food Pantry at Grays Harbor College recently received a $10,000 donation from the Grays Harbor College Foundation. This generous donation will allow students to have more access to the food they need to continue contributing to the community. This includes 160 students and their families weekly—reaching nearly 500 individuals.
The funds will be allocated directly to the purchase of staple items, such as rice, eggs, milk, chicken, cheese, fruits, and vegetables, enabling the pantry to continue meeting the immediate needs of the Grays Harbor College students.
Harbor Landing Food Pantry is located along Student Parking, Lot F, in the Brewster Athletic building and is open to students Monday through Thursday 12p.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays by appointment.
"Helping students stay focused on their education starts with making sure their basic needs are met," said Lisa J. Smith, Executive Director of the Grays Harbor College Foundation. "This support for the Harbor Landing Food Pantry means students don’t have to choose between eating and staying in school. Thanks to our generous donors, we’re able to make a real difference and help students stay on track to finish their degrees and build a better future."
Food insecurity is a significant issue for Grays Harbor College, where approximately 44% of students recently reported facing consistent challenges when accessing food; this is 6% more than the 38% of students statewide. The Harbor Landing Food Pantry plays a crucial role in alleviating this burden for students and their families.
“Being a work-study student at GHC gives me the opportunity to see firsthand how important the Food Pantry is,” said Niena Vilischar, Business Technology student at GHC. “Some students come to school hungry and rely on the Food Pantry to get through. This donation will help hundreds of students and their families while they complete their educational goals.”
Established to combat food insecurity among the student body, the Harbor Landing Food Pantry has grown significantly since its inception. Initially serving 20 to 30 students and their families weekly, the pantry now supports over 160 students per week. As it is entirely operated by Grays Harbor College students, the pantry provides hands-on leadership and community-building opportunities while offering vital resources to peers in need.
The Grays Harbor College Foundation is dedicated to supporting the success of students and the advancement of GHC through scholarships, program funding, and contributions to essential campus services. By collaborating with donors and community members, the foundation ensures that students have the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
If you want to help make a difference in the lives of Grays Harbor College students, whether it be aiding in their access to food, childcare, or another part of their lives, you can donate to the online giving page at ghc.edu/give.