food assistance

Swoop’s Pantry on Eastern Michigan University’s campus regularly sees students visiting for help securing food, clothes, and household supplies. Demand for it, along with other food pantries across Washtenaw County, has surged over the past year. WEMU’s Ana Longoria sat down with staff from Swoop’s Pantry to go over the current state of the food pantry and what’s in store over the school year.

The Ypsilanti-based SOS Community Services has worked diligently to help those facing homelessness with all available resources. Yet, completely solving the homeless epidemic in Washtenaw County remains a lofty goal. Decky Alexander discussed SOS's latest work with its Executive Director, Rhonda Weathers.

The Washtenaw County Health Department is inviting local eating establishments to join the Restaurant Meal Program. It allows SNAP recipients to buy prepared meals. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Programming has grown swiftly in the last year-and-a-half at nonprofit Peace Neighborhood Center’s HUB Community Center in Ypsilanti Township. Thanks to a recent renovation of its facility, the organization now holds more community activities, including weekly dinners. Lee Van Roth talked all about Peace Neighborhood Center's latest endeavors with its executive director, Bonnie Billups.

Food Gatherers is launching its Summer Food Service Program to support families who would otherwise miss out on school meals for their children. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

There is a growing local food network in Washtenaw County. As high prices increase food insecurity, more homegrown food can help. Further, local farmers are creating better connections with the general public, and that is helping to combat the climate crisis by helping reduce transportation-related emissions. There is also potential for more local economic impact. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ryan Poe, the founder of The Hungry Locavore, about local agriculture as part of our carbon neutrality and food insecurity solutions.

Melvin Parson founded We The People Opportunity Farm with the mission of helping formerly incarcerated individuals get a second chance at life. After his tragic passing in March of this year, long-time member LaWanda Hollister took over as the farm's executive director. She talked with Lee Van Roth about her vision of keeping Parson's dream of helping others alive.

The Michigan Senate okayed around $63 billion in department spending for the next state budget Wednesday. As Colin Jackson explains, the bill that passed does not include funding for K-12 schools.

Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor and the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor are teaming up for a key food drive to provide meals for those in need to start the spring season. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Democratic attorneys general from Michigan and a couple other states looked back on some of their lawsuits against the Trump administration Wednesday as President Donald Trump marks one year in office. Colin Jackson has more.