Food Ministries
Many Jackson County families struggle with food insecurity. Our food ministries partner with businesses, organizations, local churches and schools to address this challenge. Together, we envision a community free from hunger. We appreciate everyone who supports our mission to make this vision a reality.
AFTER SCHOOL BACKPACK PROGRAM
Many children who depend on free or reduced-cost school lunches often face uncertainty about dinner or weekend meals. It's heartbreaking to think that kids worry about having enough food. No child should ever have to question if they'll have enough to eat at home.
CMJC’s After School Backpack Program provides food for the weekend for school-aged children and youth throughout Jackson County identified as being at risk of going hungry.
IN-SCHOOL FOOD PANTRIES
Our in-school food pantries support middle and high school aged students needing food assistance.
These in-school pantries are meant to be a safe space. We want students to feel at ease while accessing resources without any fear of judgment.
Community Care
COMMUNITY/MOBILE
FOOD PANTRIES
Our Community Food Pantries on Saturday mornings are more than just a food pantry. By partnering with local churches, our community pantries are designed to empower congregations to build relationships with individuals and families living in the churches neighborhood.
CMJC provides non-perishable food items, as well as meat, produce, and occasionally dairy and eggs to our church partners to distribute. CMJC provides the food and our church partners provide the volunteers to distribute the food, and of course, the love and hope of God!
NON-PERISHABLE
FOOD DRIVES
Throughout the year we partner with businesses, schools, and organizations who host non-perishable food drives which benefit CMJC food minstries.
PROMISE GARDEN
CMJC's Promise Garden located on the Compassionate Ministries of Jackson County campus, is used exclusively for our the participants enrolled at David's Promise. The garden consists of a green house and 22 raised beds. The Promise Garden serves as a vocational and recreational site for skill development for David’s Promise participants.
FRESH FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
(PRODUCE BOXES)
Throughout the year, fresh produce is delivered to a number of locations throughout Jackson County. The produce delivered by the South Michigan Food Bank, is then unloaded and staged for distribution to area residents in need.
Please click the FOOD banner at the top of the page for a complete listing, as well as distribution locations and times.
BLESSING BARN
During each summer harvest, CMJC's Blessing Barn provides fresh produce grown from the Promise Garden to anyone in need. We also invite local residents to drop off any extra homegrown produce they have to share with those in need.
BULK PRODUCE GIVEAWAYS
Throughout the year, we receive random, bulk produce donations from a variety of community sources. These donations are given away in front of the Blessing Barn. These are unscheduled donations.
“Compassionate Ministries has been a consistent source of food security and support for the families of the Lyle Torrant Center for the past several years; providing a weekly supply of food to support families in need, allowing their bodies to be fed during the time their children are not in school, supporting the well-being of the students and families.”
Amy Rogers
Jackson County Intermediate School District
