Local Church Enhances Community Support with Expanded Food Pantry Services

In Argentine Township, the Drive-Thru Mobile Food Pantry at the Argentine Church of the Nazarene has become a vital resource since it started in 2021. Initially serving 250 to 400 people, it now feeds between 600 and 700 individuals each week.

Pastor Robert Lindsay reports that around 220 cars line up on Saturdays, with many drivers picking up food for their families. This increase in demand raises questions. Is it simply due to better promotion, or is there a genuine growth in need? Either way, waiting lines begin as early as 5 a.m. on Seymour Road.

By 7 a.m., the church parking lot and street are packed, with vehicles stretching about a quarter-mile long. The pantry officially opens at 9 a.m., and those who arrive by 9:30 a.m. should still receive food. “It’s unfortunate to see such a high need, but we’re happy to help,” Lindsay shared.

Over 40 to 50 volunteers assist with the pantry, embodying what Lindsay describes as a community effort. The church runs ten mobile food pantry events a year, with upcoming dates set for July 12 and August 9.

Recently, in June 2024, the church opened an indoor pantry, converting a classroom into a space that also offers items like infant formula and household supplies. People can visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays to “shop” for food in a 15-minute window. This indoor pantry serves about 1,000 people monthly.

The success of these initiatives is largely due to a partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM). They provided a capacity grant, allowing the church to purchase a food transport trailer and secure a third freezer, enhancing their ability to serve the community. Lindsay emphasized, “Being a food bank agency opens many doors.”

In the face of rising costs and food insecurity across the U.S.—with recent statistics showing a significant uptick in people seeking food assistance—church efforts are more crucial than ever. In 2021, about 10.5% of U.S. households faced food insecurity, a sharp rise from previous years. Local initiatives like the one at the Argentine Church are essential in meeting these growing needs.

For more information on food assistance programs, you can visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan’s website. The church welcomes donations, whether monetary or in the form of non-expired canned goods. The community support makes a big difference during this time of increased demand.

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