College students experience food insecurity at alarming rates, with more than 30 percent of U-M students experiencing food insecurity in some way. As the majority of students return home in coming weeks, the Maize and Blue Cupboard (MBC) will continue to make an impact on those who remain by staying open over the break.
The mission of the MBC is “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 MBC reaches this mission by providing an immediate and comprehensive response for the U-M community by offering resources, educational opportunities, and compassionate support. In addition, the MBC helps students develop the skills to make informed decisions.
Located at 420 S. State Street (the entrance to the MBC is on the Maynard Street side of the building), operating hours during the coming weeks will be:
- Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.
- Closed Saturdays
- Sundays, 2-8 p.m.
Thanksgiving week hours are:
- Open Monday, November 23, 3-7 p.m.
- Closed Tuesday, November 24 through Saturday, November 28
- Open Sunday, November 29, 2-8 p.m.
The MBC also will close from December 23 until January 3.
Reservations are required to use MBC and your student will need to present their MCard before shopping. A limited number of shoppers are able to enter the Maize and Blue Cupboard at a time and we ask that all shoppers wear a mask upon entering the cupboard.
In addition to food and personal items, the MBC provides:
- Cooking and nutritional tips.
- Kitchen and household items: dishes, silverware, pots and pans, Tupperware, cutting boards, knives, and other kitchenware.
- Connections to campus experts like CAPS, Dean of Students and Financial Aid, as well as SNAP (Michigan’s food program.) Your student and other community members can also find assistance via this List of Resources.
Support for the MBC is always needed. You and your student can follow the Maize and Blue Cupboard on Facebook or visit their website for more information about the cupboard and how you may be able to support the team during this time of need.
If you don’t need a resource, be a resource!