Resources
A little bit more info about each link on the infographic (found on the home page).
Maize and Blue CupboardThe Maize and Blue Cupboard is a University of Michigan sponsored food pantry that provides necessities like food, basic cooking items, personal and household supplies, and support. It is a resource available to any person who has a U-M ID and has free-of-charge offerings. It aims to "ensure members of the University of Michigan community, whether on a tight budget or physically restrained from getting to a grocery store, receive equitable access to healthy, nutritious, and nourishing food and the ability to prepare it for themselves or others." The Maize and Blue Cupboard is located in the basement of the Betsy Barbour residence hall on Maynard. Available to anyone with a need!
https://mbc.studentlife.umich.edu/ |
Food FinderFood Finder is a platform designed to streamline the search for food near you. The website and app are centered around a map with pinpointed locations that distribute food. It is an information source-- not a free food provider. Food Finder was founded and is managed today by a Michigan alum, Jack Griffin. When Jack learned about food insecurity prevalent in his hometown, he attempted to search for local food pantries and other volunteer opportunities only to discover how difficult that research was. These were vital resources for so many people and yet buried on search engines. Food Finder was designed to make this process much easier and is now a great resource to quickly find available food resources near you!
Website: https://foodfinder.us/ GooglePlay and Apple App Store: FoodFinder |
Food GatherersFood Gatherers partners with 170 non-profit agencies and programs providing direct food assistance in the form of hot meals, nutritious snacks or emergency groceries to low-income adults, seniors and children in Washtenaw County.
Resources offered by Food Gatherers include:
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Being Not-Rich at UM"Being Not-Rich" at UM" is a comprehensive guide that outlines resources that are available for students on campus who struggle with financial insecurities. It was created by UM students:
"This guide is for anyone who has ever felt marginalized on campus — particularly students who are economically disadvantaged, and especially low-income students of color, whose racial background is often compounded by their SES. In it, we lay out the issues with which we grapple most and their solutions, both immediate and long-term." |
University of Michigan Resources |
SNAP/ WIC |
Those experiencing food insecurity often have to deal with other stressors in their lives such as housing security, finance and budgeting, mental health, and balancing everything. All parts of an individual's wellness are connected so often that these issues confound one another. Seeking out support is always a great option and we hope to connect you to the people and organizations on campus that are there for support and guidance. |
SNAP (supplmental nutrition assistance program) and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) are just two government programs aimed towards those who struggle with food access stability or hunger. Certain eligibility requirements apply. SNAP provides a monthly supplement for purchasing nutritious food. If you qualify, you’ll get a debit card to use for groceries. WIC is focused on women and children and the benefits include supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics, and screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services. Many more programs are available through this government assistance route. Most grocery stores, farmer's markets, and retail establishments accept EBT (electronic benefit transfer/ the cash benefits you would receive from these programs).
To learn more and apply for SNAP benefits: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program To learn more and apply for WIC: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic |
**This is not a comprehensive list of resources and it may be worth doing additional research to find the best fit for you or those you know.**