Food Drive & Nutrition Assistance Resources

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received communication from the federal government’s Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse, there may be limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. FNS has unfortunately directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice. The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits will place Michiganders at risk of food insecurity and poverty.

Read More from MDHHS

SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates.

To find additional resources:

• Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help - Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.

Resources in Washtenaw County

• Hope Clinic
• Food Gatherers
• Michigan Department of Education: Food & Nutrition Programs
• EMU's List of Food Pantries in Washtenaw County
• Thankful To Go: Drive-Thru Thanksgiving Meals from EMU
  • Drive-up service. First come, first served. Supplies are limited. One giveaway per car.
    Thursday Nov. 20th at 10:00am
    George Gervin GameAbove Center EMU (799 N. Hewitt Rd)
• Focus: HOPE provides food boxes to senior citizens 60 years old or older, residing in in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb or Washtenaw County
  Distribution will be held in the Ypsilanti Township Community Center parking lot (2025 E. Clark Rd) on the 1st Thursday of each month from 11:00am - 11:30am. To apply to receive food please call 313.494.4600 or email: [email protected]

Donate

Winter Coats & Pantry Food Drive at the Ypsilanti Township Community Center
The Community Center (2025 E. Clark Rd) will be collecting winter jackets and pantry foods until Monday, December 1st. 
Collections will be donated to underserved patients in the healthcare system through Empower Care and the U of M Student Led Free Clinic (who provide free checkups and resources to those in need).

Ypsilanti Township 50 & Beyond Program Holiday Giving Project
This year the 50 & Beyond Program is supporting the Hope Clinic. Hope Clinic passes out sack meals to those in need. Hope Clinic is currently distributing over 600 "ready-to-eat" sack lunch bags per week, so they are always in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Community Center (2025 E. Clark Rd) Monday, November 3rd - Monday, December 1st at 1:00pm when bags will be filled.
View the Suggested Foods List

Thanksgiving Harvest Food Drive at the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center
There will be a non-perishable food collection box at the Civic Center (7200 S. Huron River Dr) Monday, November 3rd - Wednesday, November 19th during normal building hours (Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm, closed 12pm - 1pm). This will benefit Home of New Vision to provide Thanksgiving meals to at least 20 families this year. 

EMU Swoop's Holiday Harvest Event
Sign up individually or as a group to donate items for Thanksgiving!
All donations are requested by Monday, November 17th at 6:00pm. Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Make a monetary donation to Thankful To Go:
Drive-Thru Thanksgiving Meals from EMU