MDHHS adds fourth location for On-the-Go food pantries to help address food insecurity in southeast Michigan

Monthly distribution sites offered in Hamtramck,
Madison Heights, Taylor and now Clinton Township

LANSING, Mich. -The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has again expanded its On-the-Go pop-up food distribution events in partnership with Forgotten Harvest by adding a fourth distribution site in Clinton Township.

"We have been able to help 850 families put food on the table through these mobile food pantries at our local offices," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "In partnership with Forgotten Harvest, we are helping ensure access to healthy, nutritious food to those in need."

On-the-Go pantries allow individuals to schedule appointments and select groceries from fresh produce to grains to proteins. Additionally, culturally appropriate food options are offered when available - such as halal and kosher-friendly items - when serving communities with specific dietary needs.

MDHHS plans to offer these mobile food pantries on a monthly basis at select MDHHS offices in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. To date, more than 17.5 tons of groceries have been distributed at these events.

An event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, at the MDHHS office at 44777 North Gratiot Ave., Ste. A, in Clinton Township. Food pantries will be offered at this location on the first Tuesday of each month. Individuals in Southeast Michigan in need of food must email [email protected] to make an appointment to help minimize wait times and ensure adequate food supplies.

Other March events include:

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at MDHHS, 25637 Ecorse Road in Taylor. Food pantries will be offered at this location every second Tuesday of the month. Email [email protected] for an appointment.

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, at MDHHS, 30755 Montpelier in Madison Heights. Food pantries will be offered at this location every third Tuesday of the month. Email [email protected] for an appointment.

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, at MDHHS, 12140 Joseph Campau St. in Hamtramck. Food pantries will be offered at this location every fourth Tuesday of each month. Email [email protected] for an appointment.

Forgotten Harvest, the state's largest food rescue organization, has more than 65 permanent mobile pantry partners throughout southeast Michigan in addition to the On-the-Go mobile pantries. To locate a food pantry, visit Forgotten Harvest's website. Appointments to shop at Forgotten Harvest's Community Choice Market in Oak Park can be made by calling 248-268-7756.

To find additional resources:

• Dial 211 or visit Michigan 211 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.

• Explore MI Bridges to learn more about SNAP, which offers temporary food assistance to eligible families.

Additionally, the Executive Office of the Governor and state departments have helped Michigan residents feed their families by:

• Providing $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan so they can continue feeding families in all 83 counties and deliver food to those who are unable to drive.

• Supporting Hunters Feeding Michigan, a program that helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.

• Continuing to feed all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch.

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