The Immanuel Food Pantry is a place where people in need can feel safe and secure. All year round, if you take a trip to 1505 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI, enter the Immanuel Lutheran Church and walk down a set of brown stairs, you will find a haven filled with acceptance, hospitality, and food! The Pantry is widely assisted, though one person stands out when it comes to bringing special dedication to the pantry. Heide Devoulder had been helping at the food clinic since 2018, finding the opportunity through Radiant Church, located in Jackson, MI.

The Food Pantry has been running since 2003. For twenty-two years, dedicated volunteers have been working to support those in need within our community. They operate on an impressively organized system and work and live by a mission statement that is recited at each session.

   The mission statement states, “The Mission of Immanuel’s Pantry is to feed God’s people in a spirit of love, dignity, and Christian Hospitality.” They support this statement with a bible verse from the New Testament,

   “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in…” quoted in Matthew, verse 25:35. 

   Additionally, the Food Pantry offers a wide variety of options to support individuals with dietary restrictions and nutritional needs, providing choices that cater to diverse necessities.

      The Pantry has around 30 volunteers per weekend. The volunteers meet on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers shop around to fill bags with the goods listed on the paper given to them at the beginning of each mini shopping trip.

   Northwest students found their way to the Food Pantry with the help of Northwest High School staff, Marnie Hade. Hade is extremely involved in volunteer work; she runs Adopt A Family and finds solace in helping others, not for publicity or praise, but with the true intention of helping fellow human beings. 

   Students in Miss. Hade’s Broadcasting class took a trip to the pantry in search of volunteer work. They came out with an improved view on the importance of helping others.

   Ultimately, we are all human beings. Asking for help is far from easy, and you can always find a way to help people, even when you might be

struggling yourself.

   “My mom always said, ‘We’re all one decision away from needing help. If you’re not willing to give help, you can’t expect to receive it,” said Hade. 

   Giving back is important because, as Hade said, anyone could easily find themselves in a position where they need help. A person can always give something.

   “I’m a public school teacher with a mortgage, I can’t afford all of the food, but I can give my time. Everybody can do something,” said Hade. 

   Giving back does not always have to be a grandiose affair; simply volunteering your time can truly make a difference in the lives of others. Donating your time at the Immanuel Food Pantry is an incredible way to give back to our community.