Special Report: Celebrating 3 Years

Mark your calendars, because we are gearing up to celebrate!

On February 1st, we will celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the UM Food Pantry in conjunction with the Grand Opening of ASUM Bear Necessities- an innovative new agency dedicated to supporting UM students facing basic needs insecurity. Bear Necessities will provide education, advocacy, and direct support including application assistance, basic case management, and more! Located in ASUM Office 118, UM students may come here to learn about resources available to them.

Together, we will work to connect students to food, housing, and other resources in order to meet their most basic needs while attending school.

On February 1st, community partners and supporters will gather in the University Center to kick off these expanded efforts to address basic needs insecurity at UM. Director Kat Cowley will speak about the mission and work of Bear Necessities, accompanied by Pantry Coordinator Collin Zollinger & other exciting guests! This event is free and open to the public. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and donations are encouraged. Swing by to learn more about the work of Bear Necessities and the UM Food Pantry, and how you can get involved!

Since opening in 2019, the Pantry has distributed 1,400 pounds of food each month, making it a vital campus resource for more than 500 UM students, staff, faculty and community members. This February, we are hoping to raise $3,000 to purchase food and other supplies to keep our shelves stocked for the rest of the semester! All donations made to the UM Food Pantry will be used to purchase food and other supplies, including hygiene and infant care products. Can you help us reach our goal? Click here to make a donation to the UM Food Pantry.

Thank you for your continued support in this time of great need! We look forward to seeing you on February 1st.