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 Student Harrison Krafchak named Newman Civic Fellow
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A prestigious civic leadership award will play an important role in helping Central Michigan University student Harrison Krafchak pursue his goal of entering the world of politics and one day holding elected office in Michigan.
Krafchak, a junior from Dearborn Heights, has been named a Campus Compact 2025–26 Newman Civic Fellow, a national recognition for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive social change.
“The new generation of voters that’s coming up are starting to become passionate about issues, but they don’t have an outlet for them,” Krafchak said. “Educating people on that type of change and how it can be influenced is what I’m most passionate about.”
Krafchak continues to prioritize civic engagement as Student Coordinator for the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center's Central Votes program, where he works to promote voter participation across campus. He also serves as a Democracy Fellow with the Campus Vote Project in addition to his role as the Drum Major of the CMU Marching Band.
Raised by educators, Krafchak is deeply passionate about education and equitable access to resources. He understands the challenges teachers and administrators face due to limited funding and policy constraints, and he hopes to one day advocate for stronger educational systems. Krafchak believes education is deeply connected to many other social systems and plays a vital role in shaping how young people think and engage with the world around them.
“We were incredibly lucky to meet harry in the early stages of his college career,” Symantha Dattilo, Interim Director of the Volunteer Center said. “It has been wonderful to see his growth in the Volunteer Center and as the Newman Civic Fellow. We are so excited to see what he does next." .png?sfvrsn=397ac41c_4 "Fire Up the Vote")
Krafchak hopes to build his career in local politics in Michigan, a state he believes is crucial to the national political landscape. “Local politics is one of the more important institutions we have,” he said. “But if I can get into national politics and start partaking in improving the image of our Congress and any and every institution in D.C., that would be a wonderful opportunity as well.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for the late Frank Newman, honors students nationwide who demonstrate a commitment to public problem-solving and civic leadership.
Fellows are nominated by their university’s president or chancellor and join a national network of student leaders dedicated to strengthening democracy and advancing the public good.