Food insecurity remains a critical barrier for Michigan’s college students, impacting their academic success, persistence, and overall well-being. As the state navigates uncertainty around SNAP payments, it’s more important than ever to support students and the institutions that serve them.
Supporting College Students Facing Food Insecurity: Insights and Solutions for Southeast Michigan
November 12, 2025
The Challenge
Recent data from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential’s Student Basic Needs Task Force reveal that 20% of Michigan undergraduates experienced low or very low food security in the past 30 days, yet only a fraction accessed food benefits, such as SNAP. Many students juggle work, family, and coursework, often making difficult choices between paying for tuition and/or buying groceries. These pressures are particularly magnified for first-generation, adult learners, and parenting students, who are disproportionately affected by insecurity related to basic needs.
Promising Outcomes: Detroit Area Talent Fund
Emergency grant assistance is making a difference. The Detroit Area Talent Fund closes the graduation gaps for financially vulnerable students through monetary support to alleviate ongoing or unexpected financial burdens, allowing students to focus on completing their educations. In Spring 2023, over 1,200 Detroit postsecondary students received an emergency funding grant through the Detroit Area Talent Fund. After two years, 84% had either graduated or were still enrolled. These outcomes demonstrate that targeted support not only addresses immediate needs but also boosts student persistence and graduation rates.
Why It Matters
Addressing food insecurity is not just about meeting a basic need – it’s about ensuring students can focus on their studies, persist through challenges, and ultimately graduate. As Michigan’s workforce increasingly requires postsecondary credentials, supporting students’ basic needs is an investment in the state’s future.
How to Help
Colleges support students both inside and outside the classroom by providing dedicated food pantries and basic needs resource centers. These locations offer access to nutritious food, hygiene products, and emergency aid, helping students manage challenges beyond academics. Learn how you can lend support below:
- Eastern Michigan University: Swoops Food Pantry
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- Non-perishable items: 100 Pierce Hall, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197 (M-F, 12 pm to 5 pm)
- Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/IA0PJ4JXRUF1?type=wishlist
- Michigan State University: Spartan Shelf-Olin
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- Monetary donations: https://give.msu.edu/?sid=100
- Non-perishable items: Email foodbank@msu.edu to donate essential items or organize a drive
- Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest
- Oakland University: Golden Grizzlies Pantry
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- Monetary donations: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1001/g20/form.aspx?sid=1001&gid=4&pgid=1902&cid=4186&appealcode=WSCU&dids=3383&bledit=1
- Non-perishable and perishable items: Oakland Center, 312 Meadow Brook Rd., Rochester, MI, 48309
- Needs list: https://www.oakland.edu/osi/pantry/ (click on donor tab)
- St. Clair Community College: Skips Corner Pantry
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- Monetary donations: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/31689/donations/new
- Non-perishable items: Welcome Center, 735 Erie St., Port Huron, MI, 48061 (M-F, 8 am to 4:30 pm)
- University of Detroit Mercy: The Hive
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- Monetary donations: https://www.udmercy.edu/giving/fund/program/hive.php
- Non-perishable items: Reno Hall, Rm. 143, 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48221(T/R, 1 to 5 pm; W, 5 to 9 pm)
- University of Michigan-Dearborn: Student Food Pantry
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- Non-perishable items: Renick University Center, Suite 2130A, 4901 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128
- Macomb Community College: Food for Thought
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- Monetary donations: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=996a9dca-4d3e-4294-8cb6-762f026db22b&envid=p-9CNnlDYtBESNflkjC4d2qA&zone=usa&utm_source=qr_code
- Non-perishable items: Student Life & Leadership Office
- South Campus: 14500 E. 12 Mile Rd., K Building, Room 251, Warren, MI, 48088
- Center Campus: 44575 Garfield Rd., P Building, Room 127, Clinton Township, MI 48036
- College for Creative Studies: Food Pantry
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- Monetary donations: https://www.ccsdetroit.edu/giving/ways-to-give/ (Indicate Student Wellness and type “Food Pantry” in the comments)
- Non-perishable and perishable items: Yamasaki Building, Ford Campus (M-F, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
- Henry Ford College: Hawks’ Nest
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- Monetary donations: https://foundation.hfcc.edu/donate/give-to-hfc
- Non-perishable items: https://www.hfcc.edu/student-services/hawks-nest/donate
- Davenport: Panther Resource Closet & Cabinet
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- Monetary donations: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=de44cbdb-ddd9-477a-8538-e65a1292582b&envid=p-7F2oWkIlJUGCz_NcUb3xVQ&zone=usa
- Non-perishable items: Welcome Desk (Warren Campus), 27500 Dequindre Rd., Warren, MI, 48092 (M-R, 8 am to 6:30 pm)
- Schoolcraft College: Food Pantry
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- Monetary donations: https://scf.schoolcraft.edu/how-to-support/food-pantry/
- Non-perishable items: Student Activities, VisTaTech Center, 18600 Haggerty Rd., Livonia, MI, 48152 (M-R, 9 am to 7 pm; F, 9 am to 5 pm)
- Monroe County Community College: Heck’s Market
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- Monetary donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LUFRRGAKV3ADA
- Non-perishable items: Call the Student Success Center to arrange a drop-off (734) 384-4167
- Needs list: https://www.monroeccc.edu/foundation/food-pantry
- Central Michigan University: Student Food Pantry
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- Monetary donations: https://ignite.cmich.edu/project/31375
- Non-perishable items: Bovee University Center 106, 103 E Preston, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 (M-F, 9 am to 5 pm)
- Wayne State University: The W Food Pantry
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- Monetary donations: https://give.wayne.edu/campaigns/35058/donations/new?%20&designation=2ba246c3-2089-4c12-9e7e-fd467b8fcdeb
- Non-perishable items: 703 W. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202 (M & R, 8:30 am to 11 am)
- Needs list: https://doso.wayne.edu/care/the-w/donate
- Lawrence Technological University: Food Pantry
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- Monetary donations: https://ltu.edu/giving/donate/
- Non-perishable items: Dean of Students Office, A. Alfred Taubman Services Center, C405, 2100 West Ten Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48075
- Oakland County Community College: Student Success Fund
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Oakland Community College is working to increase access to food resources on campus. The community can support OCC students by donating to the Student Success Fund.
- Monetary donations: https://www.oaklandcc.edu/foundation/donate