Northern Michigan University's food pantry helps students reduce anxiety, prioritize other financial obligations, stay continuously enrolled and realize they aren't alone, according to a survey conducted earlier this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional stressors for people like NMU sports science major Mary Ann, who was laid off from her job in March and sought help from the pantry out of concern for her 7-year-old daughter.
Mary Ann's story is highlighted in a blog post by Feeding America West Michigan, which played a role in stocking the shelves at Marquette County food pantries, including NMU's, through the COVID-19 Community Response Fund from the United Way and the Community Foundation of Marquette County. Read the story here.