Metro Detroit food pantries struggle as demand rises before the holidays

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (FOX 2) - Metro Detroit food pantries are trying to keep up with more mouths to feed. And they're not alone.

It's the same in Ann Arbor where one pantry is pausing services.

They’re here to serve, but food pantries across Metro Detroit are finding the need to help more and more people increase every day as the cost of living soars and aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs has been reduced.

"We’re seeing the distribution go up as high as 35%, so that is month over month," said Forgotten Harvest CEO Adrian Lewis.

If you take a drive to Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, the need is also escalating.

"The need is very high in our community," said Director of Emergency Food Programs Markell Miller. "We’re on pace to have our largest year ever, beating last year, which previously beat record. So last year we distributed nearly 10 million pounds of food."

This increase in need comes as the VA Healthcare System in Ann Arbor distributes its final supply of food on Thursday.

Earlier this week, the VA used a social media post to say it would temporarily pause its food pantry service after Dec. 19.

"Of course, we are concerned about pantries shutting down," said Miller. "We are grateful to have a very comprehensive network of programs here in Wastenaw County."

But because of increased demand, these food distribution networks say they need increased support.

"We need more volunteers, of course, we need more funding to be able to keep up with this demand," said Lewis.

As food insecurity increases, food pantries make it clear they’re here to help, no matter how many they have to serve.

"I would like for anyone that's viewing that may be in need of of our service, regardless we want to know we want to be there for them," said Lewis.

"Do you think there will ever be a time when you have to pull back what you’re providing to the food pantries in the area?" asked FOX 2's Ingrid Kelley. 

"We hope not we’re very grateful for our community support and being able to leverage state and federal food sources that complement that donated food," said Miller.

To learn how you can support these food banks, you can tap here and here.