In the parking lot of Michigan Works! Service Center in Benton Harbor, dozens of volunteers from Gast Manufacturing, Inc. gather to sort a variety of food into boxes for the line of neighbors gathering. As each car drives by, these same volunteers offer smiles and cordial conversation to every neighbor in attendance.
The Michigan Works! mobile food pantry in Benton Harbor, coordinated by business network resource manager Diane Young, is the product of a partnership with United Way of Southwest Michigan and Feeding America West Michigan to address food insecurity in Southwest Michigan.
“We just want to make a difference and make sure people have enough food on their tables. Because when they have enough food on their tables, then what can they do? What happens in their lives? They can be productive in their jobs. Their children can be productive in the schools … so providing this food and nourishment for their bodies, it’s huge, it’s going to make stronger people and, in turn, a stronger community.”
Neighbors in Benton Harbor are spreading the word
With a menu of nutritious items ranging from lettuce, tomatoes, yogurt, milk, pasta shells and more, the distribution handed out food resources to 526 individuals. This included 214 children, 114 seniors, and 30 veterans.
Among these seniors is retired neighbor John, who turns to mobiles for food for himself and his grandchildren. Because of low income due to insufficient Social Security, John has been visiting this mobile pantry for years.
“It takes a lot of burden off,” he said. “I can’t go to the store and pay for anything so I depend on this right here to feed my grandkids. It’s just a blessing. That’s all there is to it. It’s a complete blessing. I mean, everybody treats you like family down here. There’s no prejudice or nothing like that.”
John himself is always looking to spread more information to fellow neighbors grappling with food insecurity. He encourages anyone he meets who may be struggling to seek out resources like this mobile pantry.
“I’ve got a lot of friends that are worse off than I am, and I just tell them, ‘There’s no sense
sitting there suffering when you can get help.’”
Another neighbor in attendance was Angela, who worked at Benton Harbor area schools until she found herself unemployed. Without her previous income, she had no choice but to sleep in her car. After everything she’s experienced, she’s grateful for the kindness shown to her at the Michigan Works! mobile pantry and is looking to pay it forward to others.
“I never thought I would have this need, but they were there for me,” she said. “I’m very thankful, and it helps a lot—they’d be surprised. It helps a lot of people. I worked in schools for like, 20 years, and a lot of children go hungry. A whole lot of children go hungry, and having this just helps out. It makes a child’s day. They go to bed full. They go to bed not worrying, ‘What am I going to eat tomorrow?’ They give you a good amount, and I appreciate it. I’m here to help them anytime they need help.”
Before she lost her job, Angela offered assistance wherever she could—cooking for others, taking care of others, encouraging them in any way she could. Today she helps others by telling about the food resources available through the Michigan Works! mobile food pantry in Benton Harbor.
“[The community support] let me know there’s still love out here. There’s still good people out here. There’s still people out here to help you out. Don’t give up, no matter what you’re going through. I used to live in my car. Don’t give up.”