Food Assistance Demand Surges in Detroit — Here’s How to Help
Food pantries and nonprofits across Detroit are reporting high levels of need as winter approaches. Agencies are seeking volunteers and critical donations of cash. Here’s how to help a few organizations serving the community.
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
The Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit has significantly increased its operations. By the end of November, the organization served an average of 891 meals daily, a 73% increase since January 2023. The soup kitchen primarily serves young families and Spanish-speaking clients, including Venezuelan refugees.
To donate or volunteer, visit the organization’s website. Capuchin Soup Kitchen also needs warm winter clothing; donations can be dropped off at 6333 Medbury St. on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Forgotten Harvest
According to CEO Adrian Lewis, who spoke to the Detroit Free Press, Forgotten Harvest anticipates a 15% increase in requests year-over-year over the next three years. The Oak Park-based nonprofit is critically in need of volunteers from January through March and needs 80 volunteers per day.
To donate or volunteer, visit Forgotten Harvest’s website.
Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan
During the last fiscal year, from October 2023 through September 2024, Gleaners Community Food Bank served more than a million households, a significant increase from 890,000 the previous year. The organization partners with soup kitchens, schools, agencies, food pantries, and more across a five-county region.
The food bank seeks volunteers for weekday mornings and afternoons to pack food for distribution. To volunteer and learn more, visit the food bank’s website.
Twelfth Street Food Pantry
The Twelfth Street Food Pantry saw a surge in need during the Thanksgiving holiday, serving more than 400 people, Mary Williams, the pantry’s financial treasurer, told the Detroit Free Press. It averages about 366 clients per distribution day, an increase of 20% from last year.
Visit the food pantry’s website for information on ways to volunteer.
