A study by the Center for Community College Student Engagement reports nearly one-third of community college students report running out of food each month, short on money to buy more during that time. Food insecurity is unfortunately common across U.S. college campuses and Oakland Community College is no exception.
“Food insecurity is a serious problem that can affect student success,” said Stacey Crews, dean of student engagement. “Studies have shown an important association between food insecurity and grade point average and graduation rates, as well as health issues including depression and stress, sleep quality and overall well-being.”
Students helping students
To address the issue, a Give or Take food pantry began as a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) student project at OCC’s Orchard Ridge campus in Farmington Hills. The pantry has since grown and moved to a more visible location across from the campus bookstore in order to provide easier access for those who need it.
Currently, the pantry is open Monday through Friday during campus hours. Some of the items that are regularly available to grab and go, free of charge, include peanut butter, instant milk, pasta, sauces, vegetables, rice, canned fruit, soups (dried mixes and canned), cereal, apple sauce, Jello and canned chicken.
Crews shared that the team is very interested to see the potential impact of meeting individual’s basic needs. “We want to see how this can positively affect student success while they are studying here at OCC.”
Brenda Lowery, OCC student engagement coordinator, who oversees the Pantry, said students continue to be at the heart of this project as it extends to College faculty and staff.
“The Oakland Early College 5K event held on the Orchard Ridge campus on October 27 helped raise awareness of the pantry, resulting in more than 1,200 items being donated that day to help keep the program well stocked,” she said.
Popular items available through the “Give or Take” Pantry
OCC students and staff who may be experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to stop by the College’s Give or Take Pantry, located on the Orchard Ridge campus in Farmington Hills.
Lowery said students often take grab and go items such as breakfast bars, juice packs, individual instant macaroni and cheese, individual bags of snacks, canned soup and cereal.
“These items are helpful for students who are hungry while at school and may not have funds to purchase from the 24/7 Cafes or have food to bring from home,” she said.
How to donate items
Anyone who wants to donate to the Give or Take Pantry can drop items off at the Pantry on the Orchard Ridge campus. In honor of the holiday season and MLK Jr. Day, OCC’s Office of Student Engagement is also collecting donations now through January 10.
“We ask individuals who donate canned items to consider cans with pop-top lids whenever possible for convenience and necessity,” explained Lowery.
Donations will be accepted in drop boxes across all five campuses at the following locations:
- Auburn Hills – ASC/Library/Raiders Store
- Highland Lakes – Library
- Orchard Ridge – ASC/Library/Raiders Store
- Royal Oak – ASC/Library/Raiders Store
- Southfield – ASC/Library
“Just like a journey begins with one step, I believe that if each of us can put an item or two in our cart each time we are at the store, by the time the MLK Jr. Day food drive ends, those one or two donations a week can become a full bag of groceries and a bag of hope for someone in need. Together, we can continue to really make a difference for OCC students,” said Lowery.
For further information visit the MLK Jr. Food Drive.
About OCC
Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and one of the top transfer institutions in the state. The College provides academic, career training and enriching experiences, designed to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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