MDHHS adds second location for On-the-Go food pantries to help address food insecurity in southeast Michigan  

Monthly distribution sites offered in Hamtramck and Madison Heights 

LANSING, Mich. –The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has expanded its On-the-Go pop-up food distribution events in partnership with Forgotten Harvest by adding a second distribution site in Hamtramck.  

“Food insecurity impacts the health and well-being of thousands of Michigan families,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are offering these mobile food pantries at our local offices to help ensure access to healthy, nutritious food. We appreciate the partnership with Forgotten Harvest as we work together to end hunger in Michigan.”  

On-the-Go pantries allow individuals to schedule appointments and select groceries from fresh produce to grains to proteins. Additionally, culturally appropriate food options are offered when available – such as halal and kosher-friendly items – when serving communities with specific dietary needs.  

MDHHS plans to offer these mobile food pantries on a monthly basis at select MDHHS offices in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. Two events have been held at the Madison Heights MDHHS office resulting in the distribution of more 3.5 tons of groceries to nearly 170 individuals and families in need. 

An event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the MDHHS office at 12140 Joseph Campau St. in Hamtramck. Food pantries will be offered at this location on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Individuals in Southeast Michigan in need of food must make an appointment by emailing MDHHS-FH-WC-Hamtramck@michigan.gov to help minimize wait times and ensure adequate food supplies.  

Additionally, events will be held at the MDHHS office at 30755 Montpelier in Madison Heights every third Tuesday of the month with the next event occurring 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18. Individuals in Southeast Michigan in need of food must make an appointment for this location by emailing MDHHS-FH-Oakland@michigan.gov.  

Forgotten Harvest, Michigan’s largest food rescue organization, has more than 65 permanent mobile pantry partners throughout southeast Michigan in addition to the On-the-Go mobile pantries. To locate a food pantry, visit Forgotten Harvest’s website. Appointments to shop at Forgotten Harvest’s Community Choice Market in Oak Park can be made by calling 248-268-7756.  

To find additional resources:  

• Dial 211 or visit Michigan 211 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.  
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.  
• Explore MI Bridges to learn more about SNAP, which offers temporary food assistance to eligible families.  
• Call the Double Up Food Bucks program hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Until Wednesday, Dec. 31, the program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables, will expand access so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards. Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location. 

Additionally, the Executive Office of the Governor and state departments have helped Michigan residents feed their families by: 

•          Providing $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan so they can continue feeding families in all 83 counties and deliver food to those who are unable to drive. 
•          Supporting Hunters Feeding Michigan, a program that helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.
•          Continuing to feed all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch.

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