By Claire Patterson
VN STAFF WRITER
The Hive, a new student-led organization, is helping battle food insecurity at Detroit Mercy.
Senior Dohna Dudley started the organization about a year ago after noticing a need for a food pantry on campus.
Dudley is founder and operations manager of The Hive
“Forty-six percent of our students here are food insecure,” said Dudley.
This is an overwhelming number of students who are in need for help, she said.
On the bright side, The Hive is assisting 40 students per month, giving them access to sustainable food.
As defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to food to live a healthy, active life.
The Hive’s only requirement for you to go and gather food is that you are a student who needs help.
Students do not need to pay for the food that they need.
When Dudley came to Detroit Mercy, she was on a mission to do great things for herself, her environment and fellow students, and she is doing just that.
“I was an independent student and I knew I needed help,” said Dudley. “When I met my roommate, I realized she really needed help too, so I had an epiphany that students here really needed help.”
The Hive runs its food distributions as if you were shopping at the grocery store.
All you need to do is go to Reno Hall, room 41, and go through the food and grab what you need.
Upcoming food distribution dates are Oct. 22-24, Nov. 5-7 and Nov. 19-21. Hours are noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 5-7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Items available include canned goods, fresh produce and hygiene products.
Aside from helping those in need, The Hive also builds a community of like-minded students.
“We’ve become a family,” said Dudley. “When they’re having a bad day, they come in and give us hugs.”
Donations are appreciated from students and staff.
For information, email thehive@udmercy.edu or call 313-993-1958.
For food distribution reminders, text @hivefamily to 81010.
