As the cost of living continues to rise, local food pantries in the Escanaba area are witnessing a surge in demand for their services. These vital community hubs are working tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry, collaborating with various organizations, suppliers, and the public to stock their shelves and provide essential sustenance to those in need.

Tackling Hunger, Empowering Students

The food pantry at Bay College, spearheaded by a student who recognized the struggles of her classmates, has become a lifeline for many. "They were hungry, and their hunger was impacting their ability to be successful in school," explains Amy Gibbs, the Dean of Student Success at Bay College. The pantry, which serves both the Escanaba and Iron Mountain campuses, has seen a remarkable increase in the number of food items distributed, from 6,745 in 2022-2023 to 13,777 in 2023-2024. "We continue to see the demand for food grow, I think, especially as prices have gone up in the recent years," Gibbs says.

Nourishing the Mind and Body

Gibbs emphasizes the importance of the pantry, noting that a hungry body can significantly impact a student's cognitive function. "If you've ever gone without lunch and somebody walks in with a slice of pizza like it's really hard to focus," she says. The pantry provides not only food but also hygiene products and other essential supplies, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without the burden of hunger.

Expanding Reach, Addressing Diverse Needs

The Bay College pantry has expanded its reach, with locations on both the Escanaba and Iron Mountain campuses. This accessibility ensures that students across the region can access the resources they need. The pantry currently seeks shelf-stable, non-perishable food items such as canned fruits and vegetables, pasta sauce, cereal, oatmeal, and peanut butter, as well as hygiene products.

Collaborative Efforts, Community Support

Bay College's pantry is not the only one in the area experiencing an increase in demand. St. Vincent De Paul, the Escanaba Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Salvation Army are all reporting a surge in requests for assistance. These organizations are working together, leveraging their connections with local businesses, suppliers, and the community to meet the growing need.

Serving the Diverse Needs of the Community

St. Vincent De Paul's pantry, for instance, serves a wide range of individuals, from families to single people and the homeless. "The demand is greater by far than it was a year ago due to inflation, and they are getting less in their food stamps," explains Barb VanErman, the Food Pantry Manager. Similarly, the Seventh-day Adventist Church's pantry has seen a significant increase, serving over 600 households, including 346 children, 564 seniors, and 94 veterans, in September alone.

Adapting to Changing Needs

As the demand for their services has grown, the local pantries have also expanded the range of items they offer. In addition to food, the Seventh-day Adventist Church's pantry distributes personal hygiene items, sleeping bags, gloves, and hats when available. "There's just so much that we do," says Robin Wyckoff, the Pantry Director.

Navigating Challenges, Fostering Collaboration

The Salvation Army's pantry, which serves around 200 families per month, is also seeing an influx of new clients, particularly as the weather turns colder. "It seems like there are new clients coming in every single month, and especially now that it's getting a little colder outside, that need is definitely increasing," says Jamie Ray, the Salvation Army Case Manager.Despite the challenges, the representatives from each pantry express gratitude for the community's support and the collaborative efforts that are essential to their success. "We're very fortunate to serve in a great community, and it happens to be great because of the people who help our various organizations," says VanErman. "We all work together."As the demand for food assistance continues to rise, these local pantries remain steadfast in their commitment to nourishing the community and ensuring that no one is left behind. Through their tireless efforts and the generosity of the public, they are making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.