Feeding Our Neighbors: Food Rescue Program

First Presbyterian’s Feeding Our Neighbors Program has been in existence since 2011. During the last several years the program has expanded from just picking up the cooked, but unsold, food at football games to include all Big Ten Basketball games, Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Gymnastics, and food from the athlete’s kitchen.

  • The football games contribute about 1,000 lbs. of hot dogs, brats, and pizzas per game
  • Basketball home games contribute about 250 lbs. per game

The best source of food is from the athlete’s kitchen, which prepares all of the food for the UM athletes and selected catered events. This food is extremely high quality and ready to be reheated and served by the social organizations we support.

Over the course of these years, rescued food has been delivered to Cass Community Social Services, Second Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, Circles, Detroit Rescue Mission and First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti’s Riverside Meal Program.

During the football season, the food collection takes place after the game.  Volunteers park in a lot just outside Gate 9 on the north end of the Stadium.  We enter the Stadium after the 4th quarter is over, and proceed to Section 3 on the east side.  It takes about two hours to collect, sort, and place the food in the walk-in freezer.  This is always a fun experience and you get to see the interworkings of the Stadium.
 
 
Words of Gratitude

Matt Prentice, Former Chef, Cass Community Center:

"In Detroit, 36% of the population lives with "food insecurity". In other words, they do not know where their next meal will come from or whether they will eat at all. I am feeding 30,000 people a month, now that winter has set in, as we feed five facilities that focus on the homeless of Detroit. The amazing amount of food you have brought us has made an indelible mark on our effort, and we at Cass could not be more grateful!"

Nikki at Cass:  "All the clients enjoy the popcorn and pretzels. It is a real treat for them. Keep up the good work!"

Pastor Edwards, Second MT Carmel M. B. C.:

"Thanks to you and your family and church for all that you have done and have given to our church ministry. We pray that some day we will be able to return the blessing in a way that God will be pleased.  We will forever make mention of you all in our prayers. God Bless You."