JACKSON, MI - Last June, Laurie Campbell and Mark Smith left the Jackson Community Food Pantry after another Wednesday night of helping feed locals in need.
One week later, the pantry’s co-founders opened the doors to their downtown Jackson establishment at 701 Greenwood Ave. and walked into what Campbell called a “chicken blood flood.”
A freezer malfunction allowed frozen chicken to defrost for a full week, leading to buckets of liquefied chicken soaked into the carpet, as well as an overwhelming smell, Campbell said. The food contamination led to five months of cleanup, renovations and insurance red tape that suspended operation of the pantry.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Campbell, Smith, Pantry President Stacy Harrison and their team returned to once again provide Jackson residents in need with essential food and personal items.
The pantry, which is nearing its 12th year of operation, is open from 4 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday. There is extensive road construction in the area around the pantry, but plenty of street parking on the surrounding blocks.
Campbell and Smith were inspired to start their pantry by a food drive at Westwood Mall in Jackson that served about 100 people. Both are members of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church and saw a need for a food bank closer to that side of town.
“There was a need more on this end of the town midweek, because (the Westwood drive) was only giving out enough food to last for a couple days,” Campbell said.
Smith’s motivation to start the pantry alongside Campbell? “People were hungry,” he said.
Now, the two estimate they provide food to about 100 families, or about 400 people. The organization is entirely donation-based, including food and funds. Campbell said they spend about $6,000 a month in total, including about $5,000 in food.
The easiest way to donate is online at http://jcfoods.org/#Donate, Campbell said. You can set up weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual donations. You can also send a check or money order made out to Jackson Community Food Pantry.
The other donations needed are food itself. Campbell emphasized a “heavy need” for proteins, as well as fresh produce, bread, cereal and specialty items from different cultures. Smith also pointed out a need for personal items, particularly feminine hygiene products.
Harrison also pointed out a need for baby food, especially formula.
“When we have that kind of stuff, people are so thankful that they’re crying,” she said. “Formula is exceedingly expensive.”
Community donations and support also made this reopening possible. The pantry ran a golf fundraiser at Arbor Hills Golf Club. All the costs were covered by Certainteed, a building material supplier at 701 E. Washington Ave. in Jackson.
This allowed the community to help fund the renovations conducted by Patriot Restoration, 155 Factory Road in Michigan Center.
“We have a pretty loyal donation base,” Campbell said, “and we have a pretty loyal volunteer base. A lot of the people who helped us (the last five months) are the same people who helped us get started 11, 12 years ago.”
READ MORE JACKSON COMMUNITY NEWS:
English teacher wins $1,500 award, $500 for her Jackson school
Santa sightings and Christmas tunes: A 2019 guide to the Jackson area holiday events
Salvation Army “Red Kettle” campaign seeks Christmas food, money, clothing
