MARQUETTE, MI— At a time when costs are rising, the NMU Food Pantry is helping the campus community cope.
The pantry offers shelf-stable items, as well as personal hygiene products, blankets, towels, and even small kitchen appliances like toasters and coffee makers. The items are available to any student, staff, or faculty member.
Pantry coordinator Michelle Jacob says last year the pantry had more than 2,000 visits. This year, that number was reached in November. The last
Two months recorded more than 300 visits each—the most ever since they started tracking numbers in 2020.
Jacob says the NMU Food Pantry can supplement larders at a time when products have become less affordable.
“We’re happy to be able to have somebody come grab a bag of groceries and just kind of supplement what they would have to spend at the store. They can put that toward bills or, you know, gas to get home for the holidays, whatever it is.”
The pantry is also able to offer fresh produce and herbs through the Controlled Environmental Agriculture program. Students are cultivating three types of lettuce, cilantro, basil, and mint in hydroponic units.
The pantry can be accessed at Gries Hall and at its satellite location in the Jacobetti Complex. No one is ever asked for their financial information.
