Flint Township View

FBEM food distribution ramping up for the holidays




A recent Mobile Food Pantry distribution at Trinity Assembly of God, 4363 W. Mt. Morris Rd., in Mount Morris. Photos provided

A recent Mobile Food Pantry distribution at Trinity Assembly of God, 4363 W. Mt. Morris Rd., in Mount Morris. Photos provided

GENESEE COUNTY — Any families who find themselves in need, especially during this holiday season, look no further than the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

The food bank and its partner agencies are providing food to neighborhoods by the truckload with weekly distribution sites from its Mobile Food Pantry targeting areas of great need through the 22 counties it serves.

Averaging 13,000-15,000 pounds of supplemental food, the Mobile Food Pantry has distributions dates and sites distribution calendar searchable by zip code to determine the site closest to you.

Kara Ross, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, said while demand for food is always high during the holiday season, this year after more than 18-months of dealing with the pandemic and its effects, there is even more of a need for assistance.

“Demand continues to be high across the service area with people still recovering from the effects of the pandemic,” she said. “Some of the people we serve work 2-3 part-time jobs and are trying to get back to having their income whole again so they can replenish their savings.”

 

One example of a successful distribution site is the one held weekly at Trinity Assembly of God, 4363 W. Mt. Morris Rd., in Mount Morris.

The distribution is run by the church but is assisted by the food bank. Ross said in addition to distributing food at the church, they deliver at homes of seniors and veterans who need assistance and can’t drive to the church to receive it.

“There are some relationships getting built from this,” she said. “We should all look out for our neighbors and seniors.”

Ross said donations have been picking up as the holidays approach and she urges everyone in the community who is able to help support the food bank.

One dollar equals six meals for a person in need, she said, so every little bit helps keep people fed. Ross said the food bank procures food from across the nation and so far hasn’t run into any supply chain disruptions.

scheduled throughout the area over the holiday season. Kara Ross, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, said there are about 20 Mobile Food Pantry distributions weekly. On the FBEM website, there is a

scheduled throughout the area over the holiday season. Kara Ross, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, said there are about 20 Mobile Food Pantry distributions weekly. On the FBEM website, there is a

“We have pretty reliable resources for food,” she said. “There’s always a concern with transportation, even if food is donated, we still have to pay third party carrier, so we work with a lot of distribution companies.”

Besides donation, Ross said the FBEM could also use more volunteers to help sort and inspect food at their facility in Flint. Last year, she said the Michigan National Guard helped, but this year they are still looking for people to give their time to help at the distribution center.

Any individuals or groups who would like to donate their time are asked to call Keri Brack, volunteer coordinator for the food bank, at 810-396-0210 to schedule a time to come in and help.

The following is a list of distribution sites, dates and times for the Mobile Food Pantry:

Nov. 30:

Riverside Tabernacle; 429 NB Chaves Dr.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Salvation Army Flint; 1475 W. Coldwater Rd.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Asbury United Methodist; 1653 Davison Rd.; Flint – 10 a.m.

H.I.S. Ministry; 1315 W. Bristol Rd.; Flint – 11 a.m.

Dec. 1:

First United Church of Flint; 1116 W. Hill Rd.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Greater Flint Outreach; 1114 University Ave.; Flint – 11 a.m.

Dec. 2:

Freedom Temple; 723 Pasadena Ave.; Flint – 9:30 a.m.

Greater Holy Temple; 6702 N. Dort Hwy.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Dec. 3:

Trinity Assembly of God; 4363 Mt. Morris Rd.; Mt. Morris – 9 a.m.

Second Chance Church hosting at Beecher HS Football Field; 1020 W. Coldwater Rd.; Flint – 9 a.m.

Dec. 4:

End of Time Outreach Ministries hosting at Storage of America; 4002 Dort Hwy.; Flint – 9 a.m.

Dec. 6:

Bethel United Methodist; 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Dec. 7:

Riverside Tabernacle; 429 NB Chaves Dr.; Flint – 10a.m.

Salvation Army Flint; 1475 W. Coldwater Rd.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Asbury United Methodist; 1653 Davison Rd.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Dec. 8:

St. Mark’s; 3020 Dupont; Flint – 9 a.m.

First United Church of Flint; 1116 W. Hill Rd.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Greater Flint Outreach; 1114 University Ave.; Flint – 11 a.m.

Dec. 9:

Greater Holy Temple; 6702 N. Dort Hwy.; Flint – 10 a.m.

Genesee United Methodist; 7190 N. Genesee Rd.; Genesee Twp. – 10 a.m.

Dec. 10:

Trinity Assembly of God; 4363 Mt. Morris Rd.; Mt. Morris – 9 a.m.

Second Chance Church hosting at Beecher HS Football Field; 1020 W. Coldwater Rd.; Flint – 9 a.m.