CARES in Farmington Hills has put PEOPLE first since day one. Hungry people. Hungry children. Hungry seniors. Hungry families. But it has gotten much more challenging this year!

With the end of government Covid-related funding for food insecure Americans, the number of local folks coming to CARES is up 33% over this time last year. That’s over 1,600 monthly guests picking up needed food each month compared to 1,200 just one year ago.

There are many other reasons for this increased need for CARES services. For one, food costs have increased much faster than general inflation. All of that is added on top of last year’s huge food inflation! The cost for gasoline remains extraordinarily high, making it difficult for families to get around, to obtain food, for example.

Here are examples of just a few of those in Oakland and Wayne counties who depend on CARES. (Names changed for confidentiality) Kristin is a bright, hard-working second grader in a local Oakland County public school. Her mom has multiple sclerosis, and dad is a gig worker. They are falling behind on their rent and food needs. They visit us regularly; Kristin always comes too!

Herman, an 80-year-old senior, always worked one or two jobs since his teens. He’s retired on Social Security and caring for his wife, Jane, who has advanced dementia. His fixed income can no longer meet their rent, food, fuel, and medical costs, so he relies on CARES, where we–thanks to donor support–are now delivering his food as he cannot leave his wife unattended.

Then there is the really inspiring story of the Smithson family. We helped them with food for two years when Mrs. Smithson came down with ALS, and her husband Jeremy got laid off from his job of many years. He is now back in the workforce making enough that the family can now drive to CARES each month, not to receive food, but to help donate food for others who are hungry!

So, you can see why we need your help more than ever. More people in need. More food to be distributed at a higher cost for us to maintain, make available, and sometimes deliver.

Here’s one way you can help. Our October 17 GRATEFUL PLATEFUL Campaign has the potential to feed those in serious need in our service area for the NEXT FIVE MONTHS. But we need your strong support. Please make your generous gift TODAY.

We count on individuals, corporations, organizations, foundations, and religious congregations to help us. A hungry child or senior needs your help – today. Please join us.

Thank you,