September marks Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative that encourages individuals and organizations to come together to address food and nutrition insecurity.
In observance, MHealthy has partnered with the Maize and Blue Cupboard to raise awareness among University of Michigan faculty and staff, encourage involvement and provide support and resources for those in need. MBC helps to ensure access to nutritious food for the U-M faculty, staff and student community.
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“Food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to enough nutrient-dense food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life,” said Erica Owen, nutrition program manager for MHealthy. “These issues cut across all demographics with millions in the U.S. living just one job loss, missed paycheck or medical emergency away from crisis.”
To support the U-M Ann Arbor community, Maize and Blue Cupboard donation bins are available in university units and departments across campus through Oct. 1. A crowdfunding campaign has also been launched to support the Maize and Blue Cupboard this month.
At UM-Flint, food donation bins support Wolverine Essentials to assist students with food and basic needs. At UM-Dearborn, donations can be made directly to UM-Dearborn Student Food Pantry to assist students and employees. Michigan Medicine’s ongoing Million Meal Mission fund and food drive assists local families experiencing food and health challenges.
According to Feeding America, 14% of residents in Washtenaw County are food insecure. In both Wayne and Genesee counties, it is more than 17%.
The Maize and Blue Cupboard reports more than 30% of students at U-M experience food insecurity in some way. Employees are also impacted by food insecurity. Of those U-M employees who identified experiencing food insecurity, the majority reported moderate to high health risks.
For anyone at U-M experiencing food or nutrition insecurity, resources are available. In addition to the organizations already mentioned, community food banks like Food Gatherers, Gleaners and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan also offer assistance.
The MHealthy Resource Coach Program offers one-on-one support for faculty and staff navigating financial challenges or other basic needs concerns. A full list of resources is available on the MHealthy website.
