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Hunger and food insecurity affect thousands of individuals and families around the country every day. At CMU, as many as one in every three students may be experiencing hunger. The Student Food Pantry is here to support students who need a little extra help, so they can focus on their academic success.
The Student Food Pantry is located at 1200 S Washington St (Robinson Hall), Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. The location is accessible via mobile device maps and includes on campus walking directions.
We are open weekly!
Summer Hours (Beginning May 11, 2026):
- Tuesday: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- Friday: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Semester Hours (Resumes August 17, 2026):
- Monday: 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 12 - 3:00 p.m.
If you are experiencing food insecurity, please create a profile on PantrySoft and fill out the Registration Form questions. The Student Food Pantry also offers care products (hygiene, cleaning, some kitchen, and school supplies).
First time visiting the Pantry? Stop in during our open hours and we'll help you get started -- no appointment or registration necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Pantry located?
The CMU Student Food Pantry is located under the Robinson Residential Restaurant near the North Campus Success Center. The address for the pantry is 1200 S Washington St (Robinson Hall), Mt Pleasant, MI 48858.
What are the requirements to receive support?
All currently enrolled CMU students are eligible to use the Student Food Pantry. There are no financial eligibility requirements. The Student Food Pantry is a resource for any student in need to use so they can focus on the things that really matter at CMU. Students frequently use the Pantry weekly to make ends meet, during breaks when they aren't working, if they were sick and missed a few days at work one week, and a variety of other reasons. If you could use some extra support in making your grocery dollars stretch, we hope you'll visit us.
Where can I find hygiene or cleaning products?
The Student Food Pantry offers a wide array of common hygiene products, cooking/food preparation utensils, cleaning products, and school supplies to meet your needs.
Are there other resources for students in need?
Several local non-profits are here to help students in need, including:
Clothing Inc.
Care Store
Financial Wellness Collaborative
Isabella County Restoration House
General Resource Assistance - dial 211
Salvation Army - Please call 989-773-4663
Max & Emily's, located downtown Mount Pleasant (125 E Broadway), is offering meals to people in need every day from 11:00 am- 2:00 pm. Please mention People Helping People (PHP).
More local resources can be found on our Food Resources document.
For students residing outside of the greater Mount Pleasant area, check out our Student Resources document.
Contact the Student Food Pantry in the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center at 989-774-7685 or via email at foodpantry@cmich.edu for assistance connecting to any other needs.
How can I refer a student to the Student Food Pantry?
Please complete the referral form on the Student Food Pantry Engage Central page and we'll reach out directly to the student with information about resources available at CMU and in the community. Thank you for supporting CMU students.
How can I support the Student Food Pantry?
Food and care item donations for the Student Food Pantry can be dropped off at the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center, located in the Bovee University Center, room 106. Please see the list of donation needs linked below and on the CMU Student Food Pantry Engage Portal.
Monetary donations in support of the Pantry can be made on our Fund CMU page.
What if I am not a student?
Several local non-profits support he local community's needs, including:
Isabella County Restoration House
Isabella Community Soup Kitchen
United Way General Assistance - Dial 211
Salvation Army - Please call 989-773-4663
STI Testing and Health Resources
Central Michigan District Health Department
CMDHD provides the most affordable STI testing services and health care in the Mt. Pleasant area.
Health and Wellness
Students in need of health care can find resources at CMU Student Health Services. On-campus clinics are staffed with board-certified health care professionals who can provide the treatment you need. Our staff can also work hand-in-hand with your family doctor or specialist to manage ongoing treatments and services while you are attending CMU.
The Student Food Pantry encourages students to know their status and get tested once a year (or between partners) to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Please call the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center at 989-774-7685 or email foodpantry@cmich.edu with any other questions.
CMU community honors 9/11 through service
by
Symantha Dattilo
Central Michigan University students came together throughout the week of September 8 through 11 to honor the spirit of service that emerged in the wake of the 2001 attacks. Through a series of volunteer activities and community engagement opportunities, participants paid tribute to those affected by 9/11 while making a meaningful difference for organizations serving communities across Michigan.
Hosted by the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center, the week featured hands-on service projects designed to address a variety of community needs and encourage lifelong civic engagement.
Participants created fleece tie blankets that will be donated to the Humane Animal Treatment Society and the Foster Closet of Isabella County, providing comfort and support to those in need. Students also made Valentines Day cards for veterans receiving care through Michigan VA hospitals and wrote thank-you letters that will be delivered to local first responders as a gesture of appreciation for their service and dedication.
Additional volunteers decorated snack bags that will be used by Kids Food Basket in southeast Michigan, helping bring encouragement and care to children and families who benefit from the organization's programs.
The week's final event, Be My Neighbor Day, engaged students in service projects both on and off campus. Volunteers supported the CMU Student Food Pantry, assisted at local children's discovery museum and partnered with the Safer Sex Program to assemble health and well-being kits for students.
In addition to participating in service activities, attendees received information about opportunities to stay involved in volunteerism and community engagement throughout the year. At each event, participants had the opportunity to pick up a commemorative 25th anniversary pin recognizing the ongoing commitment to serving others.
The day's activities reflected the Volunteer Center's dedication to community engagement and demonstrated how acts of service, both big and small, can bring students together in support of a common purpose.
"9/11 Day serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to make a positive impact in our communities," said Symantha Dattilo, Director of the Volunteer Center. "Through service and connection, members of the CMU community carry a commitment to community."
From creating comfort items for children and families to expressing gratitude for veterans and first responders, CMU community members spent the day turning remembrance into action.