We are so excited you want to help us!
Thank you for supporting our mission to ensure that no one goes without at U-M. There are many ways you can help. From making monetary donations to dropping off items like cookware and food to donating your time.
MONEY
Did you know that when you donate money, your dollar goes ten times further to help a student in need? That’s because we use monetary donations to purchase discounted food from a community food bank. Any amount can make a difference in a student’s life. Please note that all monetary donations must be made online.
There are four options for giving. Choose your own donation path to make an impact on-campus for UM community members in need.
Deborah and Steve Rosenthal Family Fund
This endowed fund ensures your gift is sustainable over time and supports the work of the Maize and Blue Cupboard – assisting students with food insecurity so that they can thrive during their time at the University.
Maize and Blue Cupboard Endowment Fund
These funds will be used for long-term projects and sustainability programs. Gifts to this endowed fund will provide crucial support to students struggling with hunger and food insecurity.
Maize and Blue Cupboard Fund
Donating to this fund will ensure your dollar goes further immediately. Maize and Blue Cupboard is a food pantry that provides crucial support to students struggling with hunger and food insecurity. It’s hard to get a full ‘Michigan Education’ if you’re worrying about where your next meal is coming from. Funds are used to help purchase food, student programming, and facility use.
Strong Enough for All Fund
Gifts to this endowed fund support the critical and immediate needs of students at the Maize and Blue Cupboard. The Maize and Blue Cupboard provides students experiencing food insecurity with healthy food and personal products which improve their overall Michigan experience.
TIME
Interested in being a volunteer? Anyone can help, no experience is necessary, and you can sign up for a shift that works with your schedule. If you wish to host a drive, please contact us to see what the Maize & Blue Cupboard currently needs.
GOODS
Consider donating produce, canned and dry goods, cookware and personal care items. To ensure the health and safety of students are met, we only accept items that comply with federal, state, and local food safety regulations. See the main How to Help page to learn more.
Donation Tips:
- Fresh produce should be whole, with no signs of mold, spoilage or severe bruising.
- Canned and dry goods should be unopened and in their original packaging, have an intact label with ingredients and allergens, and be in good condition (no dents, bulging, or rust).
- We are unable to accept expired items.
Donate food Items, including:
- Fruits & vegetables in a variety of colors. Look for canned fruit in its own juice or with “no sugar added.” Look for canned vegetables what say “low sodium” or “no salt added.”
- Whole grains as often as you can, including brown rice or barley, oatmeal, quinoa and more. Look for 100% whole grain on the package or look for whole grain as the first ingredient on the ingredient list.
- Protein-rich foods like canned beans, seafood, and lean meats. Look for “no salt added,” low sodium, and canned in water (instead of oil) varieties.
- Low-fat (1%) or non-fat dairy products.
- Shelf-stable healthy fats that are liquid at room temperature.
- Donate dry, ground herbs and spices whenever possible. By donating spices, you help enable students to flavor their food without a lot of added salt.
Donate kitchenware and personal care items like:
- Pots and pans, cutting boards and knives, plates, bowls and silverware and more.
- Students can always use items like toilet paper, paper towel and other self-care necessities like shampoo, conditioner and deodorant.