Mid Michigan College is taking a proactive approach to address its students’ access to nutritious food.
The college is celebrating the grand opening of its Campus Cupboard food pantry Tuesday, Sept. 11 at its Mt. Pleasant campus. A Campus Cupboard is also opening on the Harrison campus.
The food pantry was borne from research that reports a high number of students experience food insecurity. That number is even higher among community college students, says Karry Kiste-Toner, Director of Academic Advising, Student Mentoring & Retention at Mid Michigan College.
Now qualifying students will be able to place their orders online and pick up free groceries at a designated time.
In order to be eligible for food pantry services, students must be enrolled in at least one credit at Mid Michigan College and be at least 18 years old. Students are allowed six items per week.
"If we want students to be successful, we have to make sure that they’re in the position to learn. Being hungry inhibits that," Kiste-Toner says.
"Students can’t be successful if they’re hungry."
The pantry is stocked with non-perishable items, including cereals, canned foods, and pasta. Other donations include hygiene products, infant products, and pet food.
Each pantry was fully stocked through a donation from the Greater Lansing Food Bank, with which the Mid Michigan College Foundation has partnered. Kiste-Toner also credits the Community Compassion Network in assisting the set-up of the pantry. Home Depot has donated nearly $1,000 of shelving to the project.
The Mt. Pleasant Campus Cupboard is located in room 116 of the Doan Center. The Harrison location is in room 169 of the Student Recreation Center.
Students may enroll online or in person.
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