Our Food Bank
The Martin Food Bank opened its doors in 1996. This was made possible through the generous donation of a local businessman who had a heart for hungry in his community. Since this first distribution, hundreds of families have benefited from food provided by the Martin Resource Center.
The food bank is housed in a large pole building at1445 South Tenth St. in Martin. The food is arranged in the manner of a convenience store, so recipients are able to select the items that best suit their family’s needs. Choices usually include canned vegetables, fruits, pastas, frozen meats, yogurt, baby food, cereals and mixes. Many other items are available and are accepted as donations. Items are stocked as they are in supply.
Food items come to the Martin Resource Center in several ways. Some products are obtained through Second Harvest Gleaners in Grand Rapids. Area churches occasionally have food drives, and two churches have sections they stock on a monthly basis. One local church sent their youth group on a scavenger hunt throughout the community and donated the accumulated items to the Resource Center. Other creative ideas are birthday parties and the guests bring food items rather than gifts, designating a section of a garden to raise produce and donating food items before moving. All of these options have been used by community members to help keep the food bank program serving people.
Food is distributed the first Tuesday of each month. If the first Tuesday lands on a Holiday, such as New Year’s, then distribution takes place the second Tuesday. Appointments can be made throughout the month in the event of an emergency food need. If weather is inclement, please call to verify if the Center is open.
How do I know if I qualify for food assistance? The Martin Resource Center operates on a declared need basis. The first request, for assistance, recipients are required to complete an intake form. Since the food bank has territory lines, be prepared to provide identification if needed to confirm address of residence. If continued food assistance is needed, recipients are told to meet with the contracted social worker. This is meant to help resolve the economic instability. It is the mission to help families regain economic security and not to become dependent on the center’s resources. There are no set income guidelines.
Items frequently needed for food distribution:
The following is a list of products often needed by those using the Martin Food Bank. This list is not all inclusive. If there are specific questions, please contact the Resource Center director or food coordinator.
Skillet dinner mixes, rice mixes, Jell-O, pudding mixes, cereals, soups of all types, canned fruits, tuna fish, peanut butter, jellies and jams, pancake mixes, syrup, meal kits, canned stew,
If farmers are interested in donating produce or meat products, receipts are available upon request. These items are always needed and used by those utilizing Martin Resource Center services.
If hunters process their meat with a licensed processor, these products can also be used by the food bank. Ground venecin is a welcome addition when other ground meats are in short supply.