A Message from our Executive Director

Greetings,

Each day, I feel uplifted by our community and the ways we stand for each other. It warms my heart to see volunteers eager to pitch in and local organizations looking for ways they can support our mission. At Detroit Friendship House, we believe that hunger is not a solitary challenge our guests face; food insecurity is a symptom of deeper challenges our guests face. We work to address these challenges through educational workshops, personal connection, and community support. I hope you will join us this month in our fight against hunger.

Each September, food access organizations like Detroit Friendship House take part in Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about food insecurity in local communities and spur action to address it. We’re honoring the month by sharing a few ways you can get involved:

In our neighborhood, almost 40% of residents live below the poverty line, nearly double the rate in the rest of Wayne County. Most guests who visit our pantry have specific dietary requirements; finding the nutritious food they need while on a budget can be a challenge, particularly for those with chronic health issues. Even after picking up food at our pantry distributions, our guests still face barriers to food security. We aim to meet these needs and combat externalities related to hunger with health screenings, nutritious cooking workshops, mental wellness activities, and 1-1 life coaching.

More than half of pantry guests receive supplemental nutritional benefits from the government (the Bridge Card, as it is known in Michigan). But with drastic changes in the federal budget and cabinet decisions changing what food is available to food pantries, our community faces a challenge ahead. As prices rise, we expect more people to come to our doors, asking their community for help. That is why this month means so much to us.

We hope you'll engage with us this month. We would love to see you at Fowling for Food – sign up a team and bring your friends! Or join our #HamtramckHungerChallenge on social media, follow our story, and share with your community. If you are compelled to donate, consider becoming a Hunger Hero and committing a monthly gift to support our work.

With your support, we can spark a ripple effect—empowering not just individuals, but entire families and communities.

Thank you for your consistent support of our pantry guests.

With gratitude,

-Khurshida