Getting Involved

MCSP first year students are required to participate in at least one community engagement opportunity as part of their ALA 102 course. We currently partner with the following community organizations:

• Campus Farm: Part of the University of Michigan’s Sustainable Food Program, the Campus Farm at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens provides Michigan students with a tangible way to connect to the natural world and the issue of food security. MCSP students participate in farm chores such as harvesting, weeding and preparing beds for the winter.

• The Farm at Trinity Health: The Farm at Trinity Health serves the local community by improving access to fresh food, nutrition education, and therapy. They have locations at Trinity Health Ann Arbor and Trinity Health Oakland. MCSP students will assist with general farm management and organic farming activities. The opportunity gives insight into where our food comes from and how The Farm addresses Social Determinants of Health. 

• Earthworks Urban Farm: Earthworks Urban Farm is a 2.5 acre certified organic farm located in the City of Detroit seeking to build a just, beautiful food system through education, inspiration, and community development. MCSP students help with farm chores and learn about how Earthworks fits in the network of urban agriculture in Detroit and the work for equity in food access and racial justice.

• Gleaner’s Community Food Bank: Gleaners Community Food Bank alleviates hunger in S.E. Michigan by working with member agencies, the Feeding America network, and program partners in providing millions of donated and purchased food to people in need. Through education and advocacy, Gleaners also aims to reduce the reliance on the emergency food system. MCSP students work with their My Neighborhood Mobile Grocery, an innovative program that brings healthy food to communities with limited access. 

• Food Gatherers Warehouse: Food Gatherers is the food rescue and assistance program serving Washtenaw County. Through its programs and advocacy, Food Gatherers works to alleviate hunger in our community and establish a more just food system. MCSP students work in the warehouse sorting cans, restocking the pantry, salvaging products, packing food boxes, cleaning out coolers, etc.

• Community Action Network: Support family stabilization in the Bryant community through food assistance. You will be unloading trucks, preparing food to be distributed, and assisting community members.

• Growing Hope: Growing Hope works to educate, inspire, and empower the community through urban gardening and advocacy for local and healthy food access. MCSP students work on their urban farm in Ypsilanti and/or in their farmer's markets.

• Habitat for Humanity Re-Store: The ReStore provides financial support to our local Habitat for Humanity helping them to provide homes to low income families in Washtenaw County. The ReStore sells furniture, tools, appliances, windows, doors, cabinets, housewares, flooring, tile, garden supplies, paint, plumbing and more! MCSP students work in the store moving materials and helping customers.

• Natural Area Preservation: Natural Area Preservation (NAP) works to protect and restore Ann Arbor’s natural areas and to foster an environmental ethic among its citizens. MCSP students work with NAP on stewardship projects in Ann Arbor parks and wildlife areas.

• Scarlett Middle School and Mitchell Elementary School: The Scarlett-Mitchell K-8 International Baccalaureate campus develops young people to be inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring through intercultural understanding and respect. The schools are incredibly diverse with many English language learners, new immigrant families, and a range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. MCSP students are mentors, guides and support as they work with students in the classroom.

• Maize and Blue Cupboard: The Maize and Blue Cupboard is a student created initiative that aims to ensure that the University of Michigan community has equitable access to healthy, nutritious food. We will be unloading a truck and stocking shelves while learning about food access.

Founded by first-year students in 2018, Flint Justice Partnership at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor aims to serve and connect with the Flint community and educate UM students about the Flint water crisis. FJP partners with multiple organizations to advance their mission.