STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW
ALL THE RESOURCES YOU'RE LOOKING FOR TO FIND FOOD AT MSU
​MSU students sometimes don’t get enough good food, for a lot more reasons than you might think. We get it, we’re all broke college kids but that doesn’t mean you have to go hungry. Whether you can’t get enough food because of time or transportation issues, rent and tuition payments, or other expenses, feel free to take advantage of any of the resources listed below.
MSU Food Related Resources
Phone: (517) 432-5136
Email: foodbank@msu.edu
Address: Olin Health Center 463 East Circle Dr, Rm. 151
Who is Eligible?
Any enrolled MSU undergraduate, graduate and professional students without a meal plan can use the Student Food Bank, including summers off. The first time you come to the Food Bank, bring proof of enrollment (like a bill stub, schedule, etc.), and bring your MSU student ID to every distribution.
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What is available from the Student Food Bank?
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The MSU Student Food Bank provides free food and related items to students in need of assistance. The Student Food Bank doesn’t provide all the food and supplies you will need but they hope to cut your grocery bill at least in half.
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They always have vegetables, fruits, soups, pasta or rice, at least one protein, cereal and other items on hand. And they almost always have fresh produce, bread, and MSU Dairy Store cheese!
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If you still need more support or advice getting food when you’re in college, the Food Bank can let you know about other organizations and food hacks in the area. They know a thing or two about getting good food when things are rough.
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Full distribution days are held every other Wednesdays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Olin Health Center Cafeteria
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Produce distribution days are held on the Wednesdays between full distribution days from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Olin Health Center Cafeteria
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How can I volunteer at the MSU Student Food Bank?
Volunteers are needed on each distribution date from 5 pm to 7:45 pm, 20 student volunteers are needed. Volunteers are accepted on a walk-in first come first serve basis. Volunteers are needed to help package food, stock shelves, and serve Food Bank clients. All volunteers must be 18 or older, commit to staying for the duration of distribution, and focus on the volunteer work at hand (minimal cell phone use or other distractions).
Email foodbank@msu.edu with questions.
Phone: (517) 853-7800
Email: glfb@greaterlansingfoodbank.org
Address: 919 Filley St. Lansing, MI 48906
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Who is Eligible?
Anyone who needs extra food support can attend the Greater Lansing Food Bank. The MSUSFB is a partner pantry of the GLFB, which means it gets most of their food from them.
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How can I volunteer at the Greater Lansing Food Bank?
The Food Bank has fluctuating needs throughout the year based on season, product and volunteer availability. For questions about volunteering and current opportunities, contact their volunteer and outreach coordinator at
(517) 908-3698 or e-mail at volunteers@greaterlansingfoodbank.org.
National Food Resources
Feeding America network is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Together with individuals, charities, businesses, and government, they are fighting to end hunger.
SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. The Food and Nutrition Service works with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decisions about applying for the program and can access benefits. FNS also works with State partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity.
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​Apply to become authorized to accept SNAP benefits. You can complete an online application in as little as 15 minutes. You have up to 30 days to complete and submit the online application to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Applications not completed after 30 days are deleted by FNS. Follow the steps below to complete the online application process for SNAP authorization.
Women, Infants, Children (WIC)
Applying for WIC benefits can be complicated, but if you are a single mother around campus it can be a very useful supplement to your other income. Click the link button to learn more, and if you need additional support navigating the process, ask the staff at the MSU Food Bank or the Greater Lansing Food Bank.