The Canton Corner

In Canton, Michigan, and its surrounding areas, many people require assistance with food. Even though this is generally a prosperous region, economic changes and seasonal cycles mean that local families and individuals can experience food insecurity. Rising prices have unfortunately increased the need for support, and when school meal programs are unavailable during summer months, children can be significantly affected. This article aims to be a useful guide, connecting those who need help with local resources and encouraging our generous community to offer support to these important organizations.

The sense of community is strong in Canton, and understanding the local network of food support is essential for both receiving help and giving it. If you are a resident experiencing temporary difficulty or someone who wants to make a real difference, knowing where to go for help or where to give is very important. By highlighting these programs, we hope to increase awareness and participation in ensuring no one in our community goes without food. Your involvement, at any level, can create a chain reaction of positive change.

For those looking for immediate help, several dedicated organizations in and around Canton are available. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), located at 525 Farmer St, Plymouth, MI 48179, provides additional food based on income and where you live, serving as a vital resource during challenging times. You can contact them at 734-453-6879, ext. 3, or via email at karen.schafer@pcuw.org. St. Mary’s Parish in Wayne, at 34646 Sims St, Wayne, MI 48184, offers food assistance to residents of Wayne, Westland, Canton, Plymouth, and Garden City, operating Monday through Friday from 9:00-11:30 AM. They can be reached at 734-326-2234 or outreach@stmarywayne.org, and referrals can be provided if you live outside the Wayne school district.

Additional local support includes Open Door Ministry at 4301 S. Lilley Rd, Canton, MI 48188 (734-397-1777 ext. 201), which provides food pickups every Thursday from 4:30-7:30 PM by appointment, along with helpful job assistance and counseling services. New Hope Community Church, located at 44815 Cherry Hill Rd, Canton, MI 48188 (734-270-2528), also offers food pantry services by appointment for anyone in need. The Salvation Army of Plymouth at 9451 S. Main, Plymouth, MI 48107 (734-453-5464) has a food pantry open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM-3:30 PM. Furthermore, Trinity Church Food Pantry at 10101 W. Ann Arbor Rd, Plymouth, MI 48107 (734-459-9557) serves residents of Western Wayne County and Ypsilanti every third Saturday of the month with advance registration. For a wider search, PantryNet.org is a useful online resource to find more pantries in the metropolitan area.

For those in our community who are able and wish to contribute, the need for support is constant and greatly valued. Food drives are an excellent method to directly help local families restock their food supplies. Items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and non-perishable meals are always in high demand. Financial contributions are also very effective, enabling these organizations to buy precisely what is most needed, often at reduced prices, making your money go further.

In addition to donations, donating your time is an effective way to make a difference. Many of these organizations depend on committed volunteers to sort donations, assist clients, manage supplies, and much more. If you can dedicate a few hours a month or more, your energy and abilities are essential. Contact the organizations listed above to ask about their specific requirements and how you can best offer assistance. Every contribution, regardless of size, strengthens our community’s support system and ensures that everyone has access to healthy food.