WELCOME TO MAIZE & BLUE CUPBOARD
OUR MISSION
To ensure members of the University of Michigan community—whether on a tight budget or physically restrained from getting to a grocery store—receive equitable access to healthy, nutritious, and nourishing food and the ability to prepare it for themselves or others.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT NOW
Shopping appointments will begin on Monday, October 30. Appointment slots are open now by visiting our sign-up page here. Appointments will be available up to two weeks in advance.
WHO WE ARE
College students and staff are experiencing food insecurity at alarming rates. The Maize and Blue Cupboard is here to provide an immediate and comprehensive response for the U-M community. By offering resources, educational opportunities, compassionate support and more, we help students develop the skills to make informed decisions.
Read our FAQs to learn more about the Maize and Blue Cupboard and how you can get help.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
FOOD
Produce, dairy, meat, bread, frozen and shelf-stable foods (i.e. rice, cans, tuna, etc.)
KITCHEN & COOKING
Dishes, silverware, pots & pans, Tupperware, cutting boards, knives, and other kitchenware
PERSONAL & HOUSEHOLD
Trash bags, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, school supplies, baby items and more
SUPPORT
Get connected to campus experts like CAPS, Dean of Students and Financial Aid, as well as SNAP (Michigan’s food program)
NEWS
From students, for students: The Maize and Blue Cupboard
From four-hour pop-ups in constantly-rotating locations across campus to a permanent home in the heart of the University of Michigan’s Central Campus, the Maize and Blue Cupboard has grown far beyond Wesley Zhu’s wildest expectations.
Zhu always had a passion for social entrepreneurship and creating sustainable businesses. It’s a part of the reason why Zhu, a 2017 graduate from the Ross School of Business, chose to attend U-M and influenced the student organizations he chose to join.
Mobile Distribution for North Campus — Fall 2023 Semester
Students who live on North Campus have easier access to free groceries thanks to U-M’s Maize & Blue Cupboard (MBC), the College of Engineering, Student Life, and Ann Arbor-based Food Gatherers.
Federal Assistance for Food Insecurity
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a nationwide program to help people who are struggling with food insecurity. The national name for the program is Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (S
Winter Semester Mobile Distributions
Maize and Blue Cupboard winter semester mobile distributions are here!