Flint Township View

American Metal Roofs, anonymous donor to match monetary donations for Flushing Outreach food pantry


MT. MORRIS TWP. — The Flushing Christian Outreach Center (FCOC) is continuing to provide food to those in need during this time of crisis. The financial burden is great. FCOC relies solely on donations to provide services to those in need.

Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, FCOC has seen a 39 percent increase in requests for food.

Organizers say they are alarmed by the spike in need which is happening even though people received stimulus checks and increased unemployment benefits. The effects of the pandemic are far reaching and impacting people of every socioeconomic status.

Many food items regularly purchased by the FCOC at much-reduced pricing from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan are currently not available. This has forced FCOC to make purchases at local grocery stores at much higher prices. With the higher prices and increased number of people needing food, FCOC has projected a cash shortage of $43,000 to $65,000, depending on how fast the economy recovers.

When the stimulus money is spent and the Cares Act, which provides additional unemployment funds, ends on July 30, the need for food assistance could increase.

Unemployment in Michigan is now over 26 percent and will drop precipitously as people return to work. What is not known is the damage that has been done to the business community – many businesses may be closed for good, resulting in permanent job losses.

To help raise the needed money, American Metal Roofs and an anonymous donor have offered to match donations up to $10,000. A special fundraising campaign will be held through May 10 for these matching funds. Visit FlushingChristianOutreach.org/donate to make an electronic donation. Or, mail checks to FCOC at: Flushing Christian Outreach Center, 5409 W. Pierson Rd., Flushing, MI 48433. Every dollar matters. — L.R.