In 2020, an estimated 1 in 8 Americans were food insecure, equating to over 38 million Americans, including almost 12 million children.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It is important to know that though hunger and food insecurity are closely related, they are distinct concepts. Hunger refers to a personal, physical sensation of discomfort, while food insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level.

This content is adapted from Hunger + Health's, "Understand Food Insecurity."

Michigan 2-1-1 is a community resource that works to connect people with the help they need.  This includes food pantries, bill payment assistance, transportation, and much more.

The Panther Resource Closet (PRC) officially opened January 2018 at the W.A. Lettinga Campus. The PRC stocks unopened non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and new or gently used professional clothing that is in style, clean, and in good condition. The closet is designed to provide these resources free of charge to all enrolled students who might need them. The PRC is located on the lower level of the academic building between the main elevator and Public Safety Office.