September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative encouraging individuals and organizations to come together to address food and nutrition insecurity.
In observance, MHealthy has partnered with food and basic-needs programs across U-M: the Maize and Blue Cupboard in U-M Ann Arbor, Wolverine Essentials at UM-Flint and the Student Food Pantry at UM-Dearborn. The campaign encourages members of the university community to donate, connect with available support and learn more about food and nutrition insecurity.
“Food and nutrition insecurity means not having consistent access to enough nutrient-dense food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life,” says Erica Owen, nutrition program manager for MHealthy. “These issues cut across all demographics, with millions in the U.S. living just one job loss, missed paycheck or medical emergency away from crisis.”
The campaign also supports “Human Health and Well-being,” this academic year’s theme for the Look to Michigan vision, by helping foster healthy, thriving communities.
Donate to campus food and basic-needs programs
To support the U-M Ann Arbor community, Maize and Blue Cupboard (MBC) donation bins are available in university units and departments across campus, as well as common areas like University Unions and select cafes in Michigan Medicine through Oct. 1.
MBC helps to ensure access to nutritious food, kitchen and household supplies and other resources to those facing food and nutrition insecurity. Anyone with a valid MCard can visit the cupboard.
At UM-Dearborn, donation bins are available to collect food and other goods for the Student Food Pantry, which serves students and employees. Faculty and staff seeking access to the pantry should first contact UM-Dearborn Human Resources Office at 313-593-5190 or by email at [email protected].
At UM-Flint, donation bins supporting Wolverine Essentials are located in select campus departments and units. Donations help students meet food and other basic needs.
Food insecurity affects local and U-M communities
According to Feeding America, more than 14 percent of residents in Washtenaw County are food insecure. In Wayne and Genesee counties, the rate exceeds 17 percent.
People experiencing food and nutrition insecurity also face higher rates of diet-related illness, including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. The U-M community is no exception. According to data from the 2025 annual health questionnaire administered by MHealthy, among employees who identified experiencing food and nutrition insecurity, the majority reported moderate to high health risks.
Food insecurity also affects U-M students. The Maize and Blue Cupboard reports that more than 30 percent of students on the Ann Arbor campus experience food and nutrition insecurity in some way. Wolverine Essentials reports that 37 percent of UM-Flint students face food insecurity in a typical month.
University and community assistance is available
For anyone at U-M experiencing food or nutrition insecurity, resources are available. In addition to university programs listed above, community food banks like Food Gatherers, Gleaners and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan also offer assistance. The MHealthy Resource Coach Program offers one-on-one support for faculty and staff navigating financial challenges or other basic needs concerns. A full list of support resources is available on the MHealthy website.
U-M has also recently launched a new Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health Policy to advance solutions-focused research in partnership with communities and policymakers. Its work is intended to strengthen food and nutrition policies across Michigan and nationwide.
