Two local organizations, AFL and the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, recently spearheaded food drives to support students in need at Greenville Technical College.
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-six percent of Greenville Technical College students reported experiencing at least one form of basic needs insecurity according to a national survey in partnership with the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice at Temple University.
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.  With support from generous donors, hundreds of GTC students benefit from trips to the Caring Corner.  Top-requested items include paper towels, diapers, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, and canned vegetables.