Campus pantries connect students with daily essentials, resources and opportunities for hands-on learning 

Oakland Community College (OCC) kicks off the 2026-2027 academic year with the opening of The Nest Student Food Pantry on all its campuses. 

Beginning the week of September 8, current OCC students can pick up free, non-perishable food and personal care items through The Nest. View hours and locations.

“Regardless of a student's academic program or future career path, reducing barriers and normalizing access to support are essential to helping students achieve their goals,” said Kristina Marshall, Director of OCC’s Institutional Standards and Practices. “Our role extends beyond providing food and personal hygiene products. It is about creating a welcoming environment, connecting students with resources, and helping normalize the use of support services as an important part of student success.” 

Open House on all campuses
 
Students, faculty and staff are invited to stop by The Nest open houses to explore the pantries, enjoy snacks, participate in games and interactive activities, win prizes and learn more about the many resources for students.  

Visit the campus nearest you: 

  • Highland Lakes - WH350: Monday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Orchard Ridge - K102: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
  • Auburn Hills - B100: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
  • Royal Oak - C105: Thursday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
  • Southfield - A203: Thursday, Sept. 24, 4- 6:00 p.m. 

The Nest Learning Lab: An Academic Partnership 

The Nest also serves as a unique learning lab integrating academic courses and programming in partnership with OCC faculty and departments. Hands-on academic and service-learning opportunities allow students to explore food access, find resources, integrate academic research and build community engagement while supporting the pantry and their peers.
 
Students can gain hands-on experience in: 

  • Understanding basic needs and barriers to food access
  • Engaging students through respectful, dignity-centered outreach
  • Developing surveys and interpreting student feedback
  • Building skills in resource navigation and connecting students to campus and community support
  • Developing skills in pantry operations, inventory systems, and overall program support

Want to learn more? Visit The Nest homepage. 

About OCC     
  
Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at  oaklandcc.edu.        

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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu