KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – In an effort to help students facing food insecurity, Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo has announced it will be partnering with Western Michigan University’s Essential Needs, previously known as Invisible Needs project, this November and December.
Essential Needs, formally known as The Invisible Need Project, is the umbrella program for multiple initiatives that address unmet basic needs on campus including the on-campus food pantry. They believe that unmet basic needs should not be a barrier to continued academic engagement and student success.
Last year, the Essential Needs food pantry distributed a record high of over 10,000 bags of food and personal care products to WMU students. Officials say the current usage of the food pantry has increased by 223% since Fall 2022, highlighting the growing demand for such essential resources among the student body
A designated donation box will be available at Miller Auditorium Monday-Friday from 12:00-6:00 p.m. during regular box office hours and prior to shows, accepting contributions of various food items and winter necessities. The items needed include: pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, breakfast items, vegetarian soups, canned proteins like chicken, tuna, and beans, personal care items like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner, and winter gear.
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