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 indiviudals 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.
Effective December 2008 you can also donate on-line to support Emmanuel's pantry. Donate now!
I Need Help:
Individuals and families in need of emergency food may receive a 3-day supply of food at Emmanuel. A family or household is eligible one every three months. The recipient needs to bring a referral from a social services organization and a picture ID. Food is distributed from Monday through Thursday, 3:00 PM -- 3:45 PM.
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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.
Update March 2010: Food Contributions have been doing pretty well lately, partially due to a new method of food procurement as well as some donations from St. Mark's in Ypsilanti and Zion Lutheran in Ann Arbor. However, we do find that we are currently in need of several items -- canned spaghetti sauce, can opener and personal care items such as soap and shampoo.
Contribute financial support -- The Food Pantry is not a line item in Emmanuel's operating budget, but is maintained through a dedicated fund established several years ago by funds given by the United Auto Workers, and supplemented by contributions from Emmanuel members and others. These funds are used to make occasional 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