United Way EUP hosts Annual Thanksgiving Food Pantry

SAULT STE MARIE – On Thursday, November 19, 2020, United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, along with Lake Superior State University student athletes and volunteers from around the community, will distribute 15,000 pounds of food to those in need through a partnership with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Feeding America West Michigan. The annual Giving Thanks mobile food distribution event will be held from 10 AM until Noon outside in the parking lot of the LSSU Norris Center and is open to anyone in need.

Attendees should enter the south parking lot in front of the Norris Center, off Meridian Ave., and follow the line through the lot – signs will be posted and LSSU Public Safety Officers will be on hand to help vehicles move through the line safely. Anyone planning on attending to pick up food will be required to register. Volunteers will assist with this process, standing several feet away from the vehicle and wearing masks; all attendees must remain inside their vehicles for everyone’s safety.

Attendees are asked to also have their trunks emptied so volunteers may place pre-packed food boxes into the trunks with no contact. This step is vital to maintain safety and reduce the risk of serious illness amid pandemic concerns.

In 2019, United Way EUP and its partners assisted 345 families, including 181 senior citizens. “We anticipate the need to be just as great this year with the many layoffs our area has experienced because of the pandemic,” says David Brey, RSVP and Community Engagement Coordinator for United Way. Any family or individual in need is welcome. United Way has created a Facebook event page to follow for more information, visit facebook.com/UnitedWayEUP and look for the Nov 19 Mobile Food Distribution event.