Employees of Cass County have helped restock food pantries this month after a temporary delay in SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown.
Cass County Administrator Jennifer Rentfrow launched the employee-led food drive earlier this month, with donation sites set up at the administration building, the sheriff’s office, the courthouse, and the medical care facility. Staff from across all departments contributed.
Rentfrow says she’s “incredibly proud” of the amount of food the team collected, adding it speaks volumes about who Cass County’s employees are at their core.
Although SNAP benefits have resumed, food pantries throughout Southwest Michigan continue seeing increased demand as residents wait for assistance. County leaders hope the donations will help replenish shelves heading into the holiday season.
Those wishing to donate or seeking assistance can visit food pantries throughout Cass County, including locations in Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Marcellus, Niles, and Vandalia. There’s a list below.
CASSOPOLIS
First Church of God Compassion Cupboard
21083 Spencer Road
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Call for hours
Helping Hands of Cass County
408 State St.
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
305 W. State St.
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Hours: Third Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
DOWAGIAC
ACTION Ministries
301 Main St.
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Saint Francis Food Pantry
Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church
210 N. Front St.
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Hours: First and third Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
EDWARDSBURG
Edwardsburg Food Pantry
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
24832 US-12 East
Edwardsburg, MI 49112
Hours: Every Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., first and third Tuesday of the month 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
MARCELLUS
Marcellus Community Food Pantry
214 E. Main St.
Marcellus, MI 49067
Hours: See Facebook
NILES
Salvation Army Food Pantry
1707 Miller Dr.
Niles, MI 49120
Hours: Mondays and Fridays 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursday 9 to 11 a.m.
VANDALIA
Vandalia Church of God
60825 Walnut St.
Vandalia, MI 49095
Hours: Saturdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
