EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Nearly one in three college students in the U.S. faces food insecurity, struggling to access consistent and nutritious meals while balancing academic and financial responsibilities. Eastern Michigan University's Swoop's Food Pantry recognizes this critical issue and is rallying the community to take action through the "Stock Swoop's Shelves” campaign.

Beginning March 10-28, the campaign aims to combat food and resource insecurity on campus by collecting essential supplies and food items to support students in need. By mobilizing donations and community involvement, Eastern is working to ensure that students have access to the necessities that allow them to focus on their education without the added stress of food insecurity.

"The pantry aims to get at least 60 groups to sign up for the ‘Stock Swoop's Shelves’ event to meet the increasing need for resources to best serve students who rely on the pantry,” said Julie Harkema, Swoop's Food Pantry faculty advisor. “Last year this effort was able to collect items that helped keep the shelves full throughout April with goods that the pantry does not usually see and shoppers loved the variety.”

The campaign welcomes participation from everyone, on or off campus, to form groups and create a drive to collect needed items. Groups are encouraged to choose a themed donation drive, such as pasta night, dental hygiene, and school supplies, among others. Volunteers looking to help out can start by signing up or making monetary donations to support the cause.

Swoop’s Pantry strives to make a difference for students and the community by providing basic necessities that help make an EMU student’s life easier. “Without this assistance, I would not be able to give my child meals as healthy or balanced as I have been with the help of Swoop’s,” said an Eastern student. “It saves not only money but time that is in short supply for me.”

For more information, visit the Swoop’s Pantry website, or contact Swoop's Food Pantry’s office at swoops_pantry@emich.edu or 734-487-4173. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.