Food and Nutrition Security

Having access to nutritious food is critical to practicing healthy behaviors around nutrition.

U-M is committed to supporting those in and around our community who may be facing food and nutrition insecurity.

September is Hunger Action Month

September marks Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative that encourages individuals and organizations to come together to address food and nutrition insecurity.

In observance, MHealthy has partnered with the Maize and Blue Cupboard in U-M Ann Arbor, Wolverine Essentials at UM-Flint and the Student Food Pantry at UM-Dearborn to raise awareness, encourage involvement and connect community members with support and resources.

Donate to campus food and basic-needs programs

Support the U-M campus communities by dropping off nonperishable food items and personal hygiene products. Collection dates and locations vary by campus.

Ann Arbor campus and Michigan Medicine:

Maize and Blue Cupboard donation bins will be available in participating university units and departments through Oct. 1. Donations can also be dropped off at the following locations common areas around campus:

Michigan Union, first-floor Lobby B: Sept. 14–25 only
Pierpont Commons, near the Tech Shop: Sept. 14–25 only
Michigan League, first-floor hallway: Sept. 14–25 only
Pavilion Café at Michigan Medicine: Through Oct. 1
North Campus Research Complex: Through Oct. 1 (for after-hours drop-offs, use the collection box under the awning at the dock ramp)

UM-Flint: Wolverine Essentials donation bins will be available in participating campus units and departments through Oct. 2.

UM-Dearborn: Student Food Pantry donation bins will be available in participating campus units and departments through Oct. 2.

Not sure what to donate?

We've created weekly "themes" to help guide donations towards what's needed most. These are simply a guide – donate any nonperishable food or personal hygiene products you like, any time!

Sept. 6-12: “Breakfast of Champions” – items like cereal, oatmeal and pancake mix
Sept. 13-19: “Allergen-friendly foods” – nut-free granola bars, gluten-free pasta or crackers, rice, quinoa and oats or items clearly labeled “free-from” snacks
Sept. 20-26: “Clean Sweep” – personal hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant
Sept. 27-Oct. 3: “Spice It Up” – spices can make food taste like home!

What is 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. This can be a temporary situation for a family or can last a long time.

Hunger can affect people from all walks of life. Millions in the U.S. are just one job loss, missed paycheck, or medical emergency away from hunger. More than 51,000 (14%) of residents in Washtenaw County are food insecure. It affects those right here on campus as well:

Of those U-M employees who identified experiencing food insecurity, the majority reported moderate to high health risks.
According to the Maize and Blue Cupboard, more than 30% of students experience food insecurity in some way.
According to the

Healthier Choices: Nutrition and Movement Basics

Healthier Choices: Nutrition and Movement Basics is a virtual class series that provides tips and strategies for improving nutrient intake while managing food resources. This program also teaches basic cooking skills, food safety and how to read nutrition facts labels. Finally, learn how to move your body in a way that is enjoyable. Registration now open.

Learn more about Healthier Choices

U-M Resources

Maize and Blue Cupboard - This food pantry provides U-M faculty, staff and students that have an immediate need with healthy, nutritious, and nourishing food and the ability to prepare it for themselves or others.

UM-Dearborn Student Food Pantry - UM-Dearborn Student Food Pantry is committed to increasing access to food for students by providing assistance to any student in need. All UM-Dearborn students are welcome, and everything is free. Faculty and staff can also use this resource by reaching out to the Dearborn Human Resources Office at 313-593-5190 or by email at [email protected]

Wolverine Essentials - UM-Flint Wolverine Essentials is committed to increasing access to food for students by providing assistance to any student in need. All UM-Flint students are welcome, and everything is free.

MHealthy’s Resource Coach Program - One-on-one, confidential assistance is available to you through MHealthy’s Resource Coach program. Get help with locating the right resources at U-M and in your community for finding food, meeting basic needs and more.

Mental and Emotional Health Support - Someone facing food insecurity may experience increased anxiety and stress about the cost of food or running out of food before they have enough money to buy more. If you (or someone you know) needs support, confidential online screenings, professional counseling at no charge and more are always available to you.

Local and National Resources

Food Gatherers is an anti-hunger program that serves Washtenaw County and has a large network of partners to provide direct food assistance to community members. Those in need can type in their address to find the closest food resource on the Food Map. You can also call them for further information at 734-761-2796.

Gleaners Community Food Bank hosts drive-up Community Mobile Distributions that follow a two-week rotating schedule with the goal of providing nutritious, healthy food in five counties: Livingston, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe and Macomb.

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan - Partners with a network of over 700 relief agencies throughout 22 counties; you can use their food pantry locator to find food resources closest to you.

Flashfood is an app that you can download on your phone; participating grocery stores will allow you to buy food that is close to its expiration date but still perfectly good at up to 50% off, and then you go and pick it up.

FoodFinder is a food pantry locator and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shows you when and where to get free food assistance in your area.

Nourish Nutrition Services - Powered by the Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, offers a specialty pantry, meal delivery and community meals.

Make a donation

Support Maize and Blue Cupboard by donating goods or funds. To make a food or good donation, drop off directly to the MBC.

Have a garden? Share produce from your own garden. Or, when planting your garden add a row to be donated to a local food pantry, church or community event to help neighbors who may struggle with food security.

Support the UM-Dearborn Student Food Pantry by donating funds, food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies or school supplies.

Support UM-Flint Wolverine Essentials by donating funds, food, clothing or household items.

Support local families with food and health challenges through the Michigan Medicine Million Meal Mission fund and food drive.

Raise awareness

Add this Hunger Action Month Zoom background to show your support in virtual meetings.

Learn more about food insecurity from Feeding America, the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States.

The report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, “Household Food Security in the United States in 2021” found that 10.2 percent of U.S. households (13.5 million households) were food insecure.

Print out and post these fliers in your work area. Each highlights a key point about food insecurity and its impact on our community.

Last September, Michigan Medicine’s The Wrap podcast celebrated Hunger Action Month by highlighting how to help fight food insecurity in the community. Learn about food deserts, ongoing initiatives, volunteer opportunities and even ways you can get the assistance you may need in your daily life. Check out the episode below.

Human Resources University of Michigan

Food and Nutrition Security

September is Hunger Action Month

Donate to campus food and basic-needs programs

Not sure what to donate?

What is food insecurity?

Support the Maize and Blue Cupboard

Healthier Choices: Nutrition and Movement Basics

MHealthy Resource Coach Program

Raise Your Awareness. Learn How to Help. Find Resources.

U-M Resources

Local and National Resources

Make a donation

Volunteer

Raise awareness

Food and Nutrition Security

September is Hunger Action Month

Donate to campus food and basic-needs programs

Not sure what to donate?

What is food insecurity?

Support the Maize and Blue Cupboard

Healthier Choices: Nutrition and Movement Basics

MHealthy Resource Coach Program

Raise Your Awareness. Learn How to Help. Find Resources.

U-M Resources

Local and National Resources

Make a donation

Volunteer

Raise awareness

Stay informed with UHR News