Granite Edvance donates $6,000 to USNH food pantries

Concord-based nonprofit also conducts food drive for students in need

Recognizing food insecurity as a significant barrier to success for some NH college students, Granite Edvance has taken a step to support students at the state’s three public four-year postsecondary schools: Keene State College, Plymouth State University, and the University of New Hampshire. In January, the statewide nonprofit made donations totaling $6,000 to food pantries at the three schools – all part of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH). The organization also delivered nonperishable food and hygiene items, donated by Granite Edvance team members, to each of the three schools.

“Coming together as a team to support students in this way has been a truly meaningful experience,” said Granite Edvance CEO and President Christiana Thornton. “I’m grateful that our organization has had the opportunity to learn more about this issue from some of USNH staff members who are directly involved with helping students, and to take action to help.”

The donations will address a very real and sometimes overlooked need for college students, Casey Krafton, associate director of Plymouth State University’s Office of Community Impact, explained to the Granite Edvance team last month. “Students are having to choose between paying for textbooks, paying for tuition, and paying for food,” she said.

The challenges students face become even more overwhelming when their basic needs aren’t met, explained Matt Wallace, assistant vice president of education partnerships at Granite Edvance. “Imagine yourself getting ready for finals week, a big game, or an important presentation,” he said. “Now, picture dealing with all of that on an empty stomach, uncertain about where your next meal will come from. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many college students in NH.”

Wallace worked with Granite Edvance leadership and administrators at the three colleges to orchestrate the giving initiative and delivered the donations to the colleges. “This opportunity to give aligns perfectly with our mission to support students in successfully completing their college degrees,” he said. “I am so impressed and extremely proud to be part of a team that rose to the occasion during the holiday season, generously supporting the USNH food pantries.”