Thanks to the generosity of U-M faculty and staff, more than 4,200 pounds of food donations were collected in September for Hunger Action Month. The amount exceeds last year’s donations by nearly 400 pounds. 

Donations benefit the Maize and Blue Cupboard (MBC), which provides faculty, staff and students with nutritious food and resources. In partnership with MHealthy, more than 110 MBC donation bins were placed across the Ann Arbor campus through MHealthy’s Champion network. Throughout the month of September, faculty and staff could donate new, unopened non-perishable food items.

Recognized annually, Hunger Action Month encourages individuals and organizations to come together to fight hunger and food insecurity. Food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to enough nutrient dense food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. 

Find support

Millions in the U.S. are just one job loss, missed paycheck, or medical emergency away from hunger. 

According to the Maize and Blue Cupboard, more than 30% of students at U-M experience food insecurity in some way. Employees are also not immune. Of those U-M employees who screened positive for food insecurity, the majority reported moderate to high health risks.

The Maize and Blue Cupboard, the MHealthy Resource Coach Program and other resources are available to those who are dealing with food or nutrition insecurity. 

How to help

If you would like to help those in the U-M community dealing with food insecurity or financial hardship, consider donating to the Maize and Blue Cupboard, MHealthy Resource Coach Program,  UM-Dearborn Student Food Pantry or UM-Flint’s Wolverine Essentials for students. 

Community food banks like Food Gatherers, Gleaners and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan are also always looking for support. 

A full list of support and resources are available on the MHealthy website.