Wolverine Essentials
Wolverine Essentials is a welcoming space where UM‑Flint students can get a little extra support with everyday basics when they need it. Whether you’re looking for supplemental food, gently used clothing, toiletries, help with benefits and resource navigation, or other essentials, Wolverine Essentials is here to help ensure your basic needs are met so you can focus on your education and well‑being.
Social:
We are here to help
Don’t let a setback keep you from finishing your degree. Needing support is a normal part of college life, and no matter your situation, Wolverine Essentials is here to help you reach your goals. Using our services is easy, free, confidential and judgment-free. We are here for every Wolverine.
We provide support with:
- Nutritious and supplemental food and grocery items
- Grab-and-go food and drink items for when you need a meal or snack
- Personal care and toiletry items
- Clothing from business attire to casual wear to winter clothing
- School supplies like pencils, pens, Scantrons, sticky notes and more
- Financial coaching
- Individualized case management
- Assistance in navigating grant and scholarship opportunities
- Resources and referrals for affordable housing and transportation
- Assistance with navigating the State of Michigan benefits and programs
- Assistance with navigating basic needs support services at UM-Flint
Storefront Hours
The Wolverine Essentials storefront does not have regular summer hours. We are still here for you, though! Please email us if you need to utilize the storefront, and we will schedule a time to assist you. You can also email us if you need support with case management services during the summer.
Contact Wolverine Essentials
390 Harding Mott University Center
Flint, MI 48502
WolverineEssentials@umich.edu
Phone: 810-424-5277
About Wolverine Essentials
Wolverine Essentials, formerly the Wolverine Food Den, began as a “by students, for students” initiative to support students experiencing food insecurity on campus. In 2015, UM‑Flint social work students and faculty conducted a study on food insecurity, finding that 58% of respondents reported sometimes, often, or always skipping meals due to food availability, and 38% reported lacking basic food needs. Over 30 students helped create the Wolverine Food Den, securing grants from the Ann Arbor campus and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan to launch the pantry in April 2019.
Since then, Wolverine Essentials has expanded beyond food to become a “one‑stop shop for student basic needs.” Guided by data from a student basic needs survey in fall 2024, the space was renovated in fall 2025 to better serve UM‑Flint students. The updated space opened in winter 2026, offering expanded food and clothing storage and staff offices designed to provide more direct, personalized support.
Understanding our Students’ Basic Needs
52%
experienced at least one form of basic needs insecurity
37%
faced food insecurity in a typical month
30%
cut meal sizes or skipped meals due to insufficient funds
41%
experienced housing challenges within the past year
7%
missed class or work because of transportation problems
10%
missed assignments due to a lack of internet or technology access
47%
reported they couldn’t afford balanced meals
38%
reported being worried their food would run out
Data collected from the Fall 2024 Student Basic Needs Survey administered by The Hope Center at Temple University. 33% of the UM-Flint student population participated in the survey.
Supporting Wolverine Essential
These findings underscore how vital Wolverine Essentials is for helping students meet their basic needs so they can focus on their education and well‑being. Your support helps sustain and expand these offerings and programs.
Wolverine Essentials is funded and operates with the help of generous donors and volunteers. If you’re looking to support Wolverine Essentials, there are several ways to get involved, including financial contributions, item donations and volunteering your time.
Food, Clothing or Supply Drive
Interested in hosting a drive to gather items for Wolverine Essentials? If so, contact us directly at WolverineEssentials@umich.edu.
Monetary
Any amount helps. You can support Wolverine Essentials by making a monetary donation used to purchase food, toiletries and other essential supplies for students.
Donations
We welcome donations!
Before donating, please review our Donation Needs list for guidelines and the most‑needed items. If you have questions about donating, email us at WolverineEssentials@umich.edu.
Volunteering with Wolverine Essentials
Volunteers are essential to the success of Wolverine Essentials. Typical shifts are 1–5 hours per week during the fall and winter semesters. Shifts involve answering calls, assisting with intakes, inventory, sorting and other duties as assigned.
To get involved, complete our Volunteer Application. Space is limited each semester.
Volunteering with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
You or your organization/department can support Wolverine Essentials by volunteering at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. For every hour volunteered, you can earn $0.95 in agency credits that help cover the cost of food purchased for Wolverine Essentials. For details, contact the Food Bank’s volunteer coordinator at 810‑396‑0210 or visit their volunteer page.
Events & Programs
In addition to everyday support, Wolverine Essentials hosts a wide range of events designed for all Wolverines. Join us for fun, welcoming activities—like our popular grocery bingo nights, where students can win full grocery hauls, or our annual holiday food drive, open to everyone and easy to pick up groceries for the season.