"Know Your Org" is an informational series designed to spotlight some of the wonderful organizations in our community. This month, we are highlighting local organizations that provide food support.
Whether you need assistance or can provide support, there are a good number of food assistance programs available in our area.
If you live in the Canton/Plymouth area, it’s easy to think of this as an affluent neighborhood that doesn’t need much help. But the fact is, people who need assistance are everywhere. With the current levels of inflation and economic uncertainty, those numbers are unfortunately growing. It gets worse in the summer months when children who depend on free school breakfast and lunch no longer have access to those meals.
“We service anywhere from 200 to 250 families or individuals a month,” says Malynda Garcia, Director of the outreach program at St. Mary’s Parish in Wayne, “and probably about a hundred of them come from the Canton/Plymouth area.”
“Both cities have their fair share and there’s a considerable amount of homeless students in the Plymouth/Canton area,” adds Karen Schafer of The Emergency Food Assistance Program, “and it’s really jumped up in the last month. I’ve been getting a lot of calls asking how to sign up and when is the next distribution? I was surprised that it jumped up so quickly.”
Where to Find Assistance
If you need help getting enough food for yourself and your family, or if you know someone who does, here are some of the organizations that can help.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
As part of the United Way, they are located at 525 Farmer St, Plymouth, MI 48179.
“It’s a food program that’s designed for emergency use. So, the supply isn’t enough to last the entire month, but it does supplement,” says Karen. ”It’s a federal food program, so the requirements are pretty much based on income and if you’re a Michigan resident.”
TEFAP can be used in addition to other assistance programs, but you have to pre-register to participate. For more information and to register contact Karen Schafer at 734-453-6879, extension 3 or email her at karen.schafer@pcuw.org.
All area Catholic churches funnel food assistance through St. Mary’s at 34646 Sims St. Wayne, MI 48184. Contact them at 734-326-2234 or email outreach@stmarywayne.org.
“We operate Monday through Friday, from 9:00-11:30 AM and service the cities of Wayne, Westland, Canton, Plymouth and Garden City,” says Malynda. “If you live outside the Wayne school district, you just need to get a referral from a local Catholic church because they have the necessary paperwork. You don’t have to be Catholic to get one.”
They have non-perishable food items and, through a partnership with Forgotten Harvest, some perishable items as well. You can get food from them once a month by appointment. You just need your ID and two pieces of mail to show you live in their area of service.
Located at 4301 S. Lilley Rd, Canton, MI 48188. Phone: 734-397-1777 extension 201.
Open Door Ministry's time for food pickup is every Thursday from 4:30-7:30 PM. You must call and pre-register before coming in for assistance. In addition to providing a nutritious balanced diet with food for the whole family, Open Door also provides a job bank, one-on-one counseling, job skills training and referrals to care groups for additional help.
Located at 44815 Cherry Hill Rd. Canton, MI 48188. Phone: 734-270-2528.
Their pantry is open to all who need food, no matter what your circumstances are. You need to call and make an appointment ahead of time.
Located at 9451 S. Main, Plymouth, MI 48017. Phone: 734-453-5464.
Their food pantry is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM-3:30 PM.
Located at 10101 W. Ann Arbor Rd, Plymouth, MI 48107. Phone: 734-459-9557.
Food pickup is every third Saturday of the month for residents of Western Wayne County and Ypsilanti. You must call to pre-register prior to pick up.
Finding Other Food Pantries
PantryNet.org is an online source to find additional food pantries in the Metro area.
Lend a Helping Hand
If you are not in need of assistance at this time but would like to help, most of these organizations accept donations of food or funds and have volunteer opportunities. Contact one near you and see how you can help.
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