Through funding from the University of Michigan-Flint and some grants, Wolverine Essentials is undergoing renovations and expanding. The expansion aims to give students more variety in food and clothing choices, as well as a space to connect with program leaders and other resources.
Anywhere from one to 20 students use Wolverine Essentials every day. “ I am looking forward to having a bigger space for students to come in and be able to shop, and having more access to items that they need,” Sara Taylor, the basic needs coordinator for Wolverine Essentials, said. Beth Green, a case manager for the department of student affairs, said that she is looking forward to having a physical office located in the Wolverine Essentials space. “I think it makes it easier for them to feel like they can just come in and have a conversation,” Green said. Wolverine Essentials offers food items, clothing and healthcare products.
Wolverine Essentials was previously located on the third floor of the University Center, but has since moved to the second floor. It is located in room 266 of the UCEN. Both Green and Taylor are located out of the Counseling and Psychological Services Office and the Office of the Dean of Students.
The University of Michigan-Flint funded most of the renovations. The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLeap) offered up a grant totaling $30,000. While there was no total amount given, an additional amount came from the Priority Health Organization to purchase new equipment.
The previous space was smaller, with no refrigeration space and a minimal clothes closet. Green said that they have a lot of canned items, as that is what’s available to them. The grant has allowed Wolverine Essentials to expand in many ways. There will be a bigger clothes closet, a bigger overall pantry and offices that are adjacent to the food pantry itself are planned for the new space, as well as a new space for refrigerated items. These offices will belong to Green and Taylor.
Wolverine Essentials operates as its own entity and relies on donations from students and faculty. “Most of our donations come through a partnership with The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, it’s been an invaluable resource,” Green said. This has not come without its setbacks. Orders are placed, but they may not always be completed. “It all depends. You put your order in, and by the time they get your order, if they no longer have it, it goes unfulfilled,” Green said.
When asked what she looks forward to most with the new space, Green responded, “Being back. Being near Wolverine Essentials cause right now I’m in a different space. When students go by [Wolverine Essentials], they’ll often see me, and we’ll get a chance to speak. A lot of times, I can learn about some needs, just by [having someone] stop in and have a conversation.” After renovations are complete, Green will be moving from her temporary office in CAPS to the new office located in Wolverine Essentials. Wolverine Essentials’ grand opening will be January 29 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
