For many college students, paying for food is a growing challenge that can get in the way of their education. According to the 2025 Trellis Student Financial Wellness Survey, 42% of students attending two-year colleges experienced food insecurity in the past 30 days. 
 
To help students stay nourished and focused on their studies, Oakland Community College (OCC) has opened The Nest Food Pantry on its campuses throughout Oakland County. Offering free non-perishable food and personal care essentials, The Nest gives students support to meet basic needs so they can focus on their education.  
 
"We know that access to food and everyday essentials can have a meaningful impact on a student’s ability to focus on their education. We wanted to create a welcoming space on each campus where students can access resources without barriers and feel supported throughout their college journey," said Kristina Marshall, Director of Institutional Standards and Practices, who spearheaded the effort. 
 
Food and everyday essentials 
 
The Nest offers nonperishable foods and personal care essentials, including nutritious snacks, breakfast items, canned and packaged proteins, fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable beverages, hygiene products and paper goods.  
 
Marshall said recognizing that food is deeply connected to culture, tradition, and individual preferences, The Nest seeks to offer a variety of food options that reflect the diverse communities OCC serves. 

"This approach helps create a more welcoming and inclusive resource where students can find items that are meaningful and useful to them," she added.  

Connecting Food, Learning, and Student Success 

The Nest also offers opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Through educational and engagement initiatives, students can explore the connections between food, culture, nutrition, and everyday life. Programs such as Lessons from The Nest and Taste of the Month create opportunities for learning and engagement. 

"These efforts reinforce that The Nest is more than a place to access food and everyday essentials. It is an extension of OCC’s commitment to creating an inclusive college environment where students are supported both inside and outside the classroom," Marshall said.  
 
The pantries are supported through college funding, grants, and monetary contributions, as well as donations of non-perishable food and personal care items from the OCC community and external partners, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community members. 
 
How students access The Nest 
 
Any currently enrolled OCC student can use The Nest. Students need to sign a waiver, then show their student ID at The Nest to receive items. All visits are confidential. 
 
Fall locations and hours 
 
The Nest is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and closed daily from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the following campus locations: 
 
Auburn Hills – B Building, Room 104 | Wednesdays 
Highland Lakes – Woodland Hall, Room 350 | Mondays 
Orchard Ridge – K Building, Room 105 | Tuesdays 
Royal Oak – C Building, Room 105 | Thursdays 
 
The Southfield – A Building, Room 203 is open the first and third Tuesday of each month, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. 
 
MDHHS helps students explore additional assistance 
 
OCC is also partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to help students explore eligibility for food assistance and other state programs, providing additional support. 
 
During the fall semester, MDHHS representatives are available to meet with students at these Nest: 

  • Auburn Hills and Orchard Ridge: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Royal Oak: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

 “We are dedicated to helping OCC students succeed. Providing free food when students need it can make a positive difference in their lives and help them stay on track with their studies,” Marshall said. 

 
For more information or to donate, visit oaklandcc.edu/the-nest. 
 
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