Emergency Food Pantry
Emmanuel maintains a food pantry for distribution of emergency food supplies based on referrals from local services agencies. Food is contributed to the church by members or purchased through service organizations such as Food Gatherers, sorted, and packed into boxes to feed families of different sizes.
Because of the depressed economic conditions in southeast Michigan, more and more families and individuals are in need of assistance in feeding themselves. Emmanuel's Food Pantry continues in its mission to fill that gap; however demand for our services has doubled in the last year alone. Your continued support in all facets of this ministry are needed.
I Need Help:
Individuals and families in need of emergency food may receive a 3-day supply of food at Emmanuel. Food is distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 3:00 PM -- 3:45 PM. A family or household is eligible one every three months.
As of October 2011, a referral from a social services organization is no longer required. Those in need of emergency food fill out a self-declaration of need and provide a a picture ID.
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I Want to Help Others:
Contribute food -- Contributions of canned and non-perishable food items are welcome (open this link [Adobe Acrobat Reader required] for suggested items). Watch the Sunday bulletin as special needs for particular food items that are in short supply.
Your contributions can be dropped off during office hours or on Sunday during worship service. Although the first Sunday of every month has been designated for Food Ingathering, food offerings can be brought to worship to support the Pantry. Emmanuel members and guests who wish to contribute food can either bring them to the front of the church as part of the offering collection or place it in the red basket in the Narthex.
Contribute financial support -- The Food Pantry is maintained through a dedicated fund established in the mid-1980s by funds given by the United Auto Workers, and supplemented by contributions from Emmanuel members and others. In late 2012 / early 2013 we were blessed with a $5,000 grant from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation, plus additional funds to suppliment our own fund-raising efforts. These funds are used to make purchases to supplement food contributions received.
Monetary contributions can be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, please mark Pantry Fund in the 'notes' section of your check. Contributions can also be made online via our secure web site.
Pack Food Packages -- Food packages can be assembled during office hours or on Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour. Contact the Church office or the Social Concerns Committee for more information.
Distribute -- You can volunteer to be available in the church to help distribute food when needed. Contact the Church office or the Social Concerns committee for more information.
“[The Lord] executes justice for the oppressed,
and gives food for the hungry.”
Psalm 146:7