In recent years, the “freshman 15” has become an antiquated term—1 out of 10 students are facing hunger. And as the number of low-income students enrolling in college continues to surge—growing from 30 to 67 percent from 1979 to 2015, according to the National Center for Education Statistics— universities are responding to a new campus crisis: food insecurity.
If you’re struggling with hunger, know you aren’t alone. Food Gatherers, Washtenaw County’s food bank, are working with groups and local pantries to make sure there are resources available to help.
– At the University of Michigan, the Maize & Blue Cupboard hosts food pantry events that provide groceries and healthy, fresh food to U of M students in need. For more information, contact Adam Whiteley (adampw@umich.edu) or visit facebook.com/maizeandbluecupboard.
– At Eastern Michigan University, Swoop’s Food Pantry provides EMU students with food assistance. Located at 104 Pierce, the pantry is open throughout the week. For more information, contact swoops_pantry@emich.edu, call 734-487-4173, or visit emich.edu/swoopspantry.
– At Washtenaw Community College, a small emergency food pantry is available for WCC students. Stop by the Student Resource Center, or visit src.wccnet.edu/resources, to learn how you can get involved.
If you aren’t struggling with food insecurity, consider making a donation to your campus pantry. To learn how to get involved, or find out more about area food resources, visit foodgatherers.org.
