Many NMU students are facing the same difficulties that COVID-19 has presented to people across the country. But, resources are available on campus for students who are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic; like the NMU Food Pantry.

Haley Rhoades, assistant dean of students, said the pantry has been able to acquire the necessary items from local grocery stores and donations. The needs of students are expected to increase, and Rhoades said the pantry has a plan going forward during the pandemic.

After the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, Rhoades was informed that the pantry could remain open.

The NMU Food Pantry will continue to operate from 5-7 p.m on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, although the ordering process for students is different.
A link to a pre-order form can be found at https://www.nmu.edu/dso/nmu-food-pantry.

Students can pick up their orders near door one of Gries Hall when the pantry is open.

Rhoades said the pantry is available to help more students, including those newly unemployed as a result of the pandemic.

In a news release, the US Department of Labor reported the seasonally adjusted unemployment number for the week of March 14 was the highest it has been since April of 2018. Rhoades said the pantry saw more than 50 students last week.

“We are helping some students who have recently lost their jobs or had their hours reduced, in addition to the students we’ve been helping throughout the school year,” Rhoades said.

“We don’t anticipate a decrease in the needs of the students, so we have sent the message around the university and community that we are
seeing donations.”

Those who wish to help the food pantry’s efforts can leave a donation of non-perishable food in the donation boxes in their residence hall lobbies or in the NMU Police Department.

The pantry is also accepting monetary donations online through the NMU Foundation, Rhoades said.

Campus dining options have also changed to better accommodate students at this time.

Platinum, Gold, and Silver residential meal plans will now be able to use a regular meal swipe at the Wildcat Den and order from the X-change menu, rather than having to use an X-change meal, according to the NMU Dining website.

This also includes an additional four meals per week for the Bronze plan, valid at the Wildcat Den, the X-change menu, and Northern Lights Dining, and a Walk-Up Carry Out service at NLD. More information can be found at meet.nmu.edu/dining.

The latest developments and information regarding NMU’s response to COVID-19 can be found at nmu.edu/covid.

The website also encourages students to check their eligibility for the expanded unemployment benefits recently implemented in Michigan and provides links to pertinent information on michigan.gov.

After the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, Rhoades was informed that the pantry could remain open.

Haley Rhoades, assistant dean of students, said the pantry has been able to acquire the necessary items from local grocery stores and donations. The needs of students are expected to increase, and Rhoades said the pantry has a plan going forward during the pandemic.

After the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, Rhoades was informed that the pantry could remain open. The NMU Food Pantry will continue to operate from 5-7 p.m on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, although the ordering process for students is different. A link to a pre-order form can be found at https://www.nmu.edu/dso/nmu-food-pantry.
Students can pick up their orders near door one of Gries Hall when the pantry is open.

Rhoades said the pantry is available to help more students, including those newly unemployed as a result of the pandemic.

In a news release, the US Department of Labor reported the seasonally adjusted unemployment number for the week of March 14 was the highest it has been since April of 2018.

Rhoades said the pantry saw more than 50 students last week.
“We are helping some students who have recently lost their jobs or had their hours reduced, in addition to the students we’ve been helping throughout the school year,” Rhoades said.

“We don’t anticipate a decrease in the needs of the students, so we have sent the message around the university and community that we are
seeing donations.”

Those who wish to help the food pantry’s efforts can leave a donation of non-perishable food in the donation boxes in their residence hall lobbies or in the NMU Police Department.

The pantry is also accepting monetary donations online through the NMU Foundation, Rhoades said.

Campus dining options have also changed to better accommodate students at this time.

Platinum, Gold and Silver residential meal plans will now be able to use a regular meal swipe at the Wildcat Den and order from the X-change menu, rather than having to use an X-change meal, according to the NMU Dining website.

This also includes an additional four meals per week for the Bronze plan, valid at the Wildcat Den, the X-change menu, and Northern Lights Dining, and a Walk-Up Carry Out service at NLD. More information can be found at meet.nmu.edu/dining.

The latest developments and information regarding NMU’s response to COVID-19 can be found at nmu.edu/covid.

The website also encourages students to check their eligibility for the expanded unemployment benefits recently implemented in Michigan and provides links to pertinent information on michigan.gov.