Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University’s Swoop’s Pantry has launched its Holiday Harvest Food Drive, inviting both the campus and local community to contribute in addressing student hunger. The drive will run through November 17, with a special Holiday Harvest shopping day scheduled for November 20 from 4 to 6 p.m., where students can select ingredients for holiday meals.

According to recent research conducted by Eastern Michigan University, nearly half of EMU students—46.5%—experience food insecurity. Swoop’s Pantry, which opened a decade ago, has recorded over 63,000 visits and distributed more than 930,000 pounds of groceries to students in need during that time.

“This drive helps ensure every student has the opportunity to enjoy a warm, nutritious holiday meal,” said Colton Ray, graduate assistant for the Pantry and social work student. “Together, we can make the season brighter for EMU students who may otherwise go without.”

Organizers aim to serve at least 100 students on the upcoming holiday shopping day and are requesting donations of traditional holiday foods such as turkey, chicken, stuffing, and other items.

National studies indicate that about one in four college students across the United States faces food insecurity while balancing their academic responsibilities. Since its founding in 2015, Swoop’s Pantry has provided not only food but also school supplies, household goods, clothing items, and graduation attire rentals.

Students who participated in previous events shared their positive experiences:

"It was really thoughtful to provide Thanksgiving meals, and I remember that being very nice,” said a shopper.

"I got gluten-free stuffing around Thanksgiving, it was so good and it was so fun to be able to have stuffing again," another shopper added.

Donations can be dropped off at Swoop's Pantry located at 104 Pierce Hall or coordinated for on-campus pick up. More information about how to donate is available on the pantry's webpage.

Eastern Michigan University serves over 12,000 students with more than 300 academic programs across various colleges. The university emphasizes career readiness through hands-on learning opportunities and partnerships with industry leaders. Further details about EMU can be found on its website or by visiting EMU Today.