The Hive
The Hive is a student-led campus organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity among Detroit Mercy’s student body. We currently manage a student food pantry located in Room 143 of Reno Hall on the McNichols Campus. Its intention is to be a supplemental food source for currently enrolled students who need occasional help to make ends meet.
The Hive’s mission
In the spirit of Â鶹APP’s founders, Sister Catherine McAuley and St. Ignatius of Loyola, The Hive’s mission is to embody mercy and compassion by ensuring that no Â鶹APP student goes hungry. With the rising cost of food and the rollback of government benefits programs, an increasing number of people are facing food insecurity. College students are no exception. A 2019-2020 survey by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 20% of Michigan undergraduates deal with food insecurity on a regular basis. There is little doubt that this number is even higher today.
Support the Hive
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Become a Donor
Support The Hive
The Hive could not provide the services it does without the donations it receives from Â鶹APP alumni, staff, faculty, students and other generous supporters. Your donations help us provide free food to students experiencing food insecurity on and off campus. Donate today!
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Give through payroll deduction
If you are a member of staff or faculty at Â鶹APP, you may set up a monthly donation via payroll.
How It Works
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Eligibility & Check-In
- Any student currently enrolled for the semester (at least 1 credit) may use the pantry.
- Bring your student ID each visit.
- On check-in staff/volunteer will record: Student ID, name, date of visit, number of items taken.
- A student may visit once every 14 days (i.e., every two weeks).
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Visit Frequency & Items Allowed
- You may access the pantry one time every 14 days.
- At each visit you may select up to 12 items (including food and approved personal-care/household items). These items are separated into five categories: starches, fruits, vegetables, proteins and personal hygiene. In addition to the 12-item limit, there is a limit of four items from any given category.
- To promote fairness and variety, please limit any one item type to a maximum of to per visit (for example: no more than two cans of the same soup).
- We encourage you to take items you will use, not stockpile.
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Selection Process
- Upon check-in you’ll be shown around the pantry; you choose your items (shopping-style).
- There is also a “free shelf” of surplus or donated items (fresh produce, hygiene items, etc.) where you may take items beyond the 12-item limit if they are from that shelf, but main items still follow the 12-item cap.
- Please bring your own reusable bag where possible; otherwise a bag will be provided.
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Additional Guidelines
- The pantry is stocked via donations and funding; items vary. Some categories may be limited depending on supply.
- If you have special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) or need help with other basic-needs resources (housing, SNAP, financial aid) please ask—we can provide referral information.
- The pantry environment is confidential and respectful; please treat fellow students and volunteers with courtesy.
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Monitoring & Review
- The Student Life Office will monitor usage (visits, items taken, inventory levels) each semester.
- If we observe that inventory is being depleted unsustainably, we reserve the right to adjust item caps or visit frequency.
- Conversely, if usage is very low and supply very strong, we may consider increasing item allowance.
FAQs
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How often can I come?
Once every 14 days (two weeks). -
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How many items can I take?
Up to 12 items per visit (food + approved personal-care/household). -
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What counts as an item?
One canned good = 1 item. One box cereal = 1 item. Personal hygiene (toothpaste, shampoo) also count. -
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Can I take more if there’s extra?
The “free shelf” items (surplus produce, hygiene donations) may be taken beyond the 12-item; however, these are optional and supply‐dependent. -
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What happens if I forgot my ID?
Make sure you know your Titan ID number; that’s all you will need! -
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Why the cap and frequency rule?
Since our pantry is small and funding is limited, the cap and two-week rule help ensure fairness so all students who need help get a chance. -
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I’m still hungry after my visit. What do I do?
That’s totally valid. We encourage you to contact Student Life for additional support (emergency funds, SNAP referral, or food bank information), and we’ll help you navigate those resources. -
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How will you know if I’m abusing the system?
We record visits and items. If we see repeated visits more frequently than policy permits, we may follow up individually to ensure fairness. -
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Can I get fresh produce or perishable items?
Yes, when supply allows. But these are variable; please don’t count on them as guaranteed. -
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Do I need to sign up for this or apply?
No form or income check. Just present your student ID and check in. We value dignity and ease of access. -
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Who do I talk to if I have a question or feedback?
Contact the Student Life Office at 313-993-1150. Volunteers and staff want the pantry to serve you well.
