(WXMI) – Two western Michigan colleges recently celebrated the opening of food pantries on their campuses for students experiencing food insecurity.

Ferris State University (FSU) held the grand opening of its new Bulldog Pantry on Wednesday, the university told FOX 17.

We were told that the Bulldog Pantry was created after a survey found that nearly half of the participants were food insecure.

The food pantry is located in Room 115 in the David L. Eisler Center.

“We hope students feel comfortable asking for help, knowing we are here to support them,” says Lina Blair, Dean of Student Life. “Food insecurity is often just the tip of the iceberg of obstacles our students face. We are here to ease their burden so they can focus on being a Bulldog and keep working toward their goal of graduating.”

According to FSU, the meal is free for students. All they have to do is fill out an online form.

Much of the food is provided courtesy of Feeding America West Michigan.

The pantry’s opening hours can be found on the FSU website.

The news comes days after the Muskegon Rescue Mission (MRM) announced the opening of the Satellite Food Pantry at Baker College.

According to MRM, the pantry is available to students 24 hours a day with a student ID. The pantry is stocked with non-perishable food, school supplies and hygiene products.

We were told that there is no limit to how many supplies a Baker College student can bring.

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