The South Michigan Food Bank will host a free food distribution event at the Marshall United Methodist Church this week in Marshall.
The organization’s volunteer-led Free Fresh Food Distribution events take place at 4 p.m. every first Wednesday of the month in the parking lot of the Marshall United Methodist Church, located at 721 Old US 27 North. The next date is April 2.
Volunteers will come together to provide food to Marshall community members in need. All food is distributed on a first come, first served basis. There is no cost or financial requirement when it comes to getting food, but it is recommended to arrive at the event early. Cars often start lining up in the parking lot around 2 p.m. Once in line,households will be registered with the food bank to confirm Michigan residency.
The Marshall Fresh Food Distribution is coordinated by John Seppanen, who said that with the help of about a dozenvolunteers the distribution serves 125 to 150 households each month. Each household will be given a bag of food containing essentials including canned goods, other non-perishables and occasionally fresh fruits and vegetables depending on the time of year.
According to Seppanen, in April he expects that the food distribution will serve closer to 150 households.
Marshall United Methodist Media Director and Fresh Food Distribution volunteer Dennis Gorsline said it’s humbling to see the need in Marshall.
“I would encourage them to just show up. This is a judgement-free opportunity to receive fresh food,” Gorsline said.“They don’t need to be a member of our church, or any church. They don’t need to meet any income requirements or qualifications. They simply need to want food.”
Seppanen said volunteers are always needed.
“We welcome any group that would like to come and volunteer,” he said. “We have had Boy and Girl Scouts, individuals that need community service hours, along with local businesses help out.”
For anyone interested the next Free Fresh Food Distribution, more information can be found at smfoodbank.org.
