Current Students / Food Pantry

Student Food Pantry

The Delta College Student Food Pantry exists to provide food for students under financial stress, helping them stay focused on their academic success. It helps ensure that all students have access to adequate food – regardless of their economic situation. 

Student Food Pantry 

    • Family Food Box
      • Contains multiple non-perishable items, such as canned fruits, vegetables, meats, beans, soups, pasta, rice, etc.
    • Meal vouchers for the Red Brix Café’
      • Students can opt to receive a voucher for a hot meal at Delta’s own Red Brix Café during normal business hours. This option can be chosen once per week per student. Only available while supplies last.
    • Lunch bags
      • Contains 1 beverage item, 2 snack items (such as protein bars, microwave popcorn, fruit cups, etc.), 2 entrees that are microwaveable and/or ready to each (such as flavored tuna/crackers, mac & cheese cups, ravioli cups, soup, etc.)
    • Snacks at the Centers
      • Ask staff at the Downtown Midland and Downtown Saginaw Centers about the snacks!

All students seeking Pantry services must schedule a time to pick up their items in D102. Students without a reservation will be asked to complete one before receiving services.

Schedule a Time to Pickup Food

Pick-up locations

You will have to show a picture ID to receive services.

Main Campus

    • Food boxes reserved at Main campus
      • Pick up at Public Safety, N Wing (directly across from the east main entrance – between Kand L Wings)
    • Lunch bags reserved at Main campus
      • Pick up at Pioneer Connect, D102
    • Meal vouchers, only available and redeemable at Main campus
      • Pick up at Pioneer Connect, D102

Centers

    • Food boxes and lunch bags reserved at the Downtown Centers
      • Pick up at the center where you made the reservation. See a staff member for assistance.
    • Snacks at the Centers, only available at the Downtown Midland and Downtown Saginaw Centers
      • Ask staff for details.

If you are in need of additional assistance, please see the additional resources provided below. Information is included for area food pantries and meal centers/soup kitchens as well as links to other needed resources such as housing, clothing, household items, etc.

Please reach out to foodpantry@delta.edu with questions or if you need assistance navigating available resources.

How it works

To receive food from the pantry, students must present their Delta student ID card.  Students will also be required to complete an intake form.  The Food Pantry does not collect personal information.  All information provided is kept confidential.

The maximum amount of food a student can receive in a one-month period is a total of ten bags (a combination of lunch bags and no more than four family food boxes or large, pre-packaged bags). 

Donating to the Food Pantry

Donations are accepted at A003 during office hours. Non-perishable, non-expired food, gift cards to local grocery stores, or monetary donations are accepted. Checks may be made payable to Delta College with "Student Food Pantry" in the memo line. Delta employees may sign up for automatic payroll deduction. Donations are tax-deductible and a receipt will be issued. 

The most requested items are:

    • Pasta, such as spaghetti, elbow, shells
    • Protein, granola and cereal bars
    • Pasta sauce
    • Flavored rice and noodle pouches
    • Canned meats, such as chicken, tuna, Vienna sausage
    • Ramen noodles in packages and cups
    • Canned fruits, vegetables, and beans
    • Cheese or Peanut Butter cracker combo packs
    • Pudding, Jello, fruit and applesauce cups
    • Microwaveable popcorn
    • Peanuts and nuts in single-serve packages
    • Microwaveable meals, such as ravioli, Spaghettio's, beef stew, pop-top soups, mac & cheese
    • Meat sticks/jerky in single-serve packages
    • Peanut butter
    • Breakfast items such as oatmeal packets/bowls, poptarts, cereal bowls
    • Beverages, such as on-the-go drink mixes, juice boxes, sports beverages

Food pantries and distribution

Meal centers and soup kitchens

Other services and resources

    • www.mi211.org is a free and confidential referral and information helpline and website. Dial 211 to speak with a live and highly-trained service professional, text your zip code to 898211, or go to www.mi211.org.
    • MiBridges is an online site that connects you to resources specific to your location, needs and circumstances. If you apply, you may be eligible for benefits such as healthcare coverage; food assistance; child development & care; cash assistance; WIC; and/or state emergency relief funding.
    • Salvation Army holiday giving, LGBTQ+ support, veterans services, services for the aging, help for domestic abuse, after-school programs, job training, homeless shelters, food pantries, rent/mortgage/utility assistance, thrift store, and more!
    • Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan provides vocational services and employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment; employment opportunities; thrift store
    • USDA Rural Development provides housing programs/loans for low- and very-low-income single-family residents; multifamily housing/rental assistance; other services as available. 
    • MI State Housing Development Authority provides programs and assistance for homeowners and homebuyers, renters, and homeless & special needs individuals.
    • Delta College Counseling Services provides brief, crisis and career counseling.  Services are voluntary and confidential.
    • Homeless Shelters Directory is available to find shelters in your city.
    • ChooseMyPlate provides practical information to individuals to help build healthier diets.
    • Creating an Affordable Healthy Diet That Works for You provides help developing a diet and budget that works for you, with recipes and resources to help you reach your goals.
    • How to Find Food Security Support and Hunger Assistance Resources Learn more about food insecurity, who is experiencing it and where you and your family can turn to if you find yourself facing this challenge.
    • How to Navigate the Rise of Food Costs Learn how to maintain a healthy diet and afford nutritious foods despite rising costs.
    • Eating Healthy on an Affordable Budget a diet and budget that works for you, with recipes and resources to help you reach your goals.
    • Food Security and Hunger Support Resources Learn more about food insecurity, who is experiencing it and where you and your family can turn to if you find yourself facing this challenge.
    • Career Development  Ready to start a job search? Not sure what to put on your resume or even how to start one? Haven't had any/many interviews and aren't sure how to win over a potential employer?  Whether you're looking for a full-time job, part-time job or student employment, the Career Development Office has access to a ton of opportunities throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. They offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and much much more! Check them out!
    • USDA Digital Nutrition Resources for Kids  An excellent site, recommended by the Food Pantry's young friend Mikayla, helps children (and parents!) learn about the 5 food groups, teaches healthy eating, and reading! This colorful book introduces kindergarten-aged children to different foods and MyPlate, while building literacy skills through the use of sight words, optional audio narration and text highlighting, interactive games and activities, and more! 
    • Cooking Meals on a Budget  Also recommended by Mikayla, this site teaches how cooking meals can be easier and more affordable than you may think. It provides several links related to shopping, budgeting, nutrition basics, cooking safety, and more.
    • Health, Nutrition, and Fitness Glossary for Kids Another great find by Mikayla, this site teaches about health, nutrition, and fitness through the use of vocabulary words and provides links to healthy activities for kids.

Contact us
Make an appointment with student services departments.

Pioneer Connect

1961 Delta Road
University Center, MI 48710
989–686–9000
info@delta.edu

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