Food and Emergency Assistance: 
Helping Our Neighbors Affected by the SNAP Benefits Pause

Thousands of families across Michigan are facing an unexpected crisis as SNAP benefits have been paused due to the federal budget impasse. This means that many of our neighbors, who depend on this vital food assistance program, are struggling to keep their pantries stocked.

As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM) is working tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry. Through your kindness and generosity, we are providing food, comfort, and hope to those who need it most during this challenging time.

Together, we are living the Works of Mercy—feeding the hungry and giving hope where it is needed most.

Here’s How You Can Get Involved

MONETARY DONATIONS:
Please make a gift specifically to this cause using our secure Blackbaud donation link. Every dollar helps provide meals for a family in need. If you make your donation now at this link, your gift is doubled until we reach $20,000, thanks to an anonymous donor.

FOOD DONATIONS IN KIND:
Individuals, families, and groups are encouraged to drop off packaged and unexpired donations of nonperishable food Monday–Friday, 9 AM–3 PM, at any of the following CCSEM locations:

• La Casa Amiga (Pontiac)
• Adult Day Services at St. Lucy’s (St. Clair Shores)
• Center for the Works of Mercy (Detroit)

All cereals, soups, pastas, rice, and other nonperishable foods are deeply appreciated and will make a difference in the lives of many in our community.

Food and items most needed at this time of year include:

• Peanut Butter
• Canned Chicken
• Canned Tuna
• Canned Salmon
• Box/Bag Stuffing
• Canned Fruit (cranberry sauce always welcomed this time of year)
• Canned Green Beans 
• Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Hearty Soups

MOBILIZE AND HOST A DRIVE:
Parishes, organizations, businesses, groups, and community associations interested in hosting a food drive are invited to contact Ray Smith, Development Coordinator, at 586.416.2300 ext. 4871, or submit an information request so we can collaborate, promote, and support your good work.

VOLUNTEER
Individuals, groups, families, friends, and organizations are needed to help sort, collect, box, distribute, and package food. Share your time by helping at one of our food distribution sites or pantries. Visit https://ccsem.galaxydigital.com/

OTHER BUSINESS AND HOSPITALITY NEEDS
Local businesses, restaurants, bakeries, and other companies and groups interested in sponsoring, donating, or supplying lunches, snacks, paper plates, cups, and other volunteer supplies are invited to contact Ray Smith, Development Coordinator, at 586.416.2300 ext. 4871, or submit an information request. All monetary and in-kind donations are able to receive proof of your donation for end-of-year taxes.

PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT 
Keep our neighbors, volunteers, and staff in your prayers as we work together to live out the Works of Mercy.

Need Food Assistance? We’re Here to Help.

EXTENDED FOOD PANTRY HOURS OF SERVICE:

Serving Detroit and the Surrounding Communities: At Catholic Charities of Southeastern Michigan, we recognize that these are challenging times for many families. Our Center for the Works of Mercy Market has already booked appointments through January 2026, and we are working diligently to meet the overwhelming need for food assistance in our community.

To address this growing need, we are expanding our pantry hours and introducing new drop-in opportunities across our locations.

Beginning Thursday, November 6, 2025, CCSEM will offer drop-in food pantry hours every
Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.—no appointment is necessary.

In addition, we are opening extra pantry hours at the Center for the Works of Mercy (CWM):

• Saturday, November 22 – The Saturday before Thanksgiving, 10 AM – 12 PM
• Saturday, December 6 – 10 AM – 12 PM

You don't need to make an appointment for these additional times. All are welcome.

If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, please come—we are here to serve you with compassion, respect, and love.

AVAILABLE AND EXTENDED SOUP KITCHEN HOURS AND LOCATIONS:

At All Saints Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, we serve with love and dignity, offering more than a meal. Located in Detroit, we are a sanctuary for those in need, providing food security and a warm, welcoming environment.

Hours:
Monday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (food pantry service)
Thursday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (food pantry service)
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (Hot lunch meal served in the soup kitchen)

Phone: 313-335-3261

OTHER RESOURCES AND SERVICES:

Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan is blessed to work alongside many dedicated partners who share our mission of serving those in need. If you or someone you know requires additional food assistance beyond our programs, please explore the following trusted community resources:

• PantryNet.org – A comprehensive online directory that helps individuals and families locate nearby food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across Southeast Michigan.
• Forgotten Harvest – A leading hunger-relief organization that rescues surplus food and distributes it through a network of local partners to ensure nothing goes to waste and no neighbor goes hungry.
• United Way Southeast Michigan

Together, through faith and collaboration, we are helping to ensure that every person in our community has access to the food, care, and compassion they deserve.