Amid COVID-19 variants and online formats, the NMU Food Pantry has continued to serve students, faculty and staff on campus with food and hygiene necessities. 

According to Feeding America, in 2019 over 9,000 people in Marquette County were food insecure which is about 13.9% of the local population. While NMU’s food pantry only serves students and staff, providing these resources to the community is still beneficial.

“The food pantry is important to have at NMU because it enables students and staff to get necessary support through reducing food insecurities. Students and staff at NMU should be able to focus on academics and learning, rather than having to worry about affording food to put on the table,” Mandy Helppi, psychology major and senior said, “Providing a resource that can reduce worry relating to food allows for a better environment for both students and staff on campus.”

During the peak of the pandemic, over 14.7% of households nationally reported they were experiencing food insecurity. That number increased to 17.5% in households with children. In addition to the increase in food insecurity, NMU’s food pantry had a difficult time allotting space for volunteers and shoppers because of COVID restrictions which encouraged the implementation of their online shopping option. 

Regardless of whether students or staff live on campus or off, they are welcome to utilize NMU’s food pantry via in-person shopping or online order. The pantry is open Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 2 p.m.

If one is unable to make it to the current hours, it is encouraged to reach out to Haley Rhoades, assistant Dean of Students, to set up accommodations. Those that are in a position to donate are encouraged to bring anything off the food pantry’s list to 101B Gries Hall during open hours. 

“Having adequate access to food is so important, especially for college students who have about a million other things to worry about,” Sarah Huiber, sociology major and junior, said. “Everyone deserves to eat and to not worry about where their next meal is coming from.”