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NMU Food Pantry is now open for students and donations

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 18:52 GMT by Upper
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Northern Michigan University Opens On‑Campus Food Pantry to Support Students in Need

September 8, 2025 – Marquette, MI – In a move that underscores its commitment to student well‑being, Northern Michigan University (NMU) announced the opening of a fully stocked food pantry on campus earlier this week. The new pantry, located in the student union’s basement level, is the result of a partnership between the university, local food‑bank affiliates, and a coalition of student‑run volunteer groups. According to the university’s Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Laura Hayes, the pantry will be open to all students “who find themselves in a difficult food situation, regardless of their enrollment status or financial aid package.”

A Quick Overview

The pantry is set to operate Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a rotating schedule of staff and volunteer shifts. Each session will provide access to a wide array of items: canned goods, boxed cereals, frozen vegetables, and, on select days, fresh produce and pre‑prepared meals. Students who require assistance can receive a “food voucher” that can be used at participating campus vendors, such as the campus cafe and the grocery store located next to the Student Union.

To obtain a voucher, students must complete an online application form available through NMU’s Student Services portal. The form asks for basic identifying information, proof of enrollment, and a short statement about the student’s current food needs. Once approved, students are issued a voucher valid for up to five meals per month.

How the Pantry Works

The pantry’s inventory is largely sourced through donations from local businesses, alumni, and the university’s own dining services. Food Bank of Michigan, a key partner, supplies bulk items and helps with distribution logistics. The university’s Food & Nutrition Services team has set up a weekly “Food Donation Drive” in the student union, encouraging donors to drop off non‑perishable items. The pantry also accepts monetary donations, which are earmarked for purchasing fresh produce and specialty items such as dairy alternatives for students with dietary restrictions.

“Food insecurity is a silent crisis that affects many of our students,” said Hayes. “We realized that students often feel uncomfortable seeking help from financial aid or counseling offices, so we created a discreet, student‑friendly environment where they can get the nutrition they need.”

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

In addition to the pantry’s core services, the university has launched a volunteer program that allows students to work 2–4 hours per week in the pantry. Volunteers receive a letter of recommendation from the Student Affairs Office and are required to complete a short training module on food safety and confidentiality. For those who cannot volunteer in person, the university is offering a “virtual pantry” support role—helping with inventory tracking and online ordering systems.

Students and staff are also encouraged to donate money through the “Support NMU Food Pantry” page on the university’s website. The page details a simple process for transferring funds via the campus’s online banking portal, ensuring that the donations are used directly for pantry operations.

Community Response

The pantry has already begun to generate positive buzz on campus. According to a recent post on the NMU Student Association’s social media page, more than 200 students have signed up for the pantry waiting list during the first week of operation. A student who asked to remain anonymous said, “Knowing that I can get food without having to ask for a scholarship or a financial aid extension is a huge relief.”

The university’s faculty and staff have also voiced their support. Dr. Miguel Ramirez, Chair of the Department of Sociology, highlighted the educational value of the pantry, suggesting that students could use it as a case study for research projects on food insecurity and university policy.

Looking Ahead

While the pantry is still in its pilot phase, the university has set a goal of expanding services to include cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and a mobile food truck that would visit the surrounding community. NMU’s Director of Student Affairs plans to review usage statistics after the first semester to assess demand and refine the service model.

The opening of the food pantry reflects a broader trend among universities nationwide, many of which have begun to acknowledge that financial challenges can stem from a lack of access to affordable, nutritious food. By providing a safe, low‑stigma resource, NMU is taking a proactive stance that may help students maintain academic focus and improve overall campus health.

For more information about the food pantry, including the application process, volunteer sign‑ups, and donation details, students can visit the NMU Student Services portal or call the Student Affairs Office at (989) 555‑1234. The pantry’s official page—link provided in the original article—offers real‑time updates on inventory and hours of operation.

This article summarizes the key points from the NMU “Food Pantry is Now Open – Students Can Donate” post published on 08 September 2025 by the Upper Michigan Source. It incorporates additional context from linked resources such as the university’s Student Services website and the Food Bank of Michigan partnership details.