MDHHS moves Wayne County On-the-Go food pantry to new location to better service residents, help address food insecurity

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

LANSING, Mich. -The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is moving its On-the-Go pop-up food distribution location in Wayne County to the MDHHS office in Detroit starting in June to improve accessibility for residents. MDHHS hosts these food pantries in partnership with Forgotten Harvest.

"Based on community participation and feedback from participants, we are moving the Wayne County events to our office on Conner Street in Detroit," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "Through our partnership with Forgotten Harvest, we have been able to help more than 1,600 families put food on the table through these mobile food pantries at our local offices."

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, nearly 42 tons of groceries have been distributed at these events.

June events are scheduled:

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, at MDHHS, 44777 North Gratiot Ave., Ste. A, in Clinton Township. Food pantries will be offered at this location every first Tuesday of the month. Email [email protected] for an appointment.

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, at MDHHS, 4733 Conner St. in Detroit. 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, June 16, 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, June 23, 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.

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