Hunger is Rising – But Together, We Can Help

Since the pandemic began, grocery prices have risen 26%—and now, many families in our community are struggling just to get by. In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut $500 million from the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and more cuts are on the table.

These reductions mean food pantries like ours at SOS Community Services have fewer resources—even as more people than ever are turning to us for help.

Each week, 300 households visit the SOS food pantry for free groceries. That’s double the number we served before the pandemic. And as prices climb and assistance dwindles, we know this number will only grow.

Hunger isn’t just about empty stomachs. It means:

• Children going without the nutrition they need to grow
• Parents skipping meals to make food last
• Seniors forced to choose between groceries or medicine

And in the summer, the situation worsens. Without access to school breakfast and lunch programs, many kids go hungry.

In Washtenaw County, 47,500 people don’t have enough food—and over 10,000 rely on SOS for groceries they urgently need.

How You Can Help

We need your help now more than ever to make sure no one in our community goes hungry.
✅ Donate funds – Every dollar helps us purchase healthy food in bulk
✅ Donate food – Shelf-stable items, fresh produce, dairy, and proteins are in high demand
✅ Spread the word – Share this message with friends, coworkers, and neighbors

Your donation will help us provide bags of healthy groceries—including fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy—to families in need. You’ll make sure children get the nourishment they need, and help parents and seniors avoid impossible choices.

Together, we can make sure no one goes hungry this summer. Thank you for being part of this vital effort.