Norway — Free food will be distributed at 4 p.m. Friday at the Crossroads Alliance church facility at 130 Odill Drive in Norway, home of Bethany Lutheran Church and Grace United Methodist Church.

“Information from Feeding America West Michigan allows the distribution to be continued,” said the Rev. Irene White. “We have been informed Feeding America is an essential service provider, so we are able to continue with this distribution.”

The order states, “critical infrastructure workers also include: Workers and volunteers for businesses or operations — including both and religious and secular nonprofit organizations — that provide food, shelter and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities.”

Therefore, Mobile Pantry volunteers also are exempt from Gov. Whitmer’s executive order. 

Participants are to note there will be a change in how the food distribution will be conducted: This will be done on a drive-through basis. Vehicles will begin to be lined up in the parking lot of Norway Covenant Church. Everyone is asked to follow the directions of volunteers.

This food distribution is jointly sponsored by Bethany Lutheran, Evangelical Covenant, Grace United Methodist, St. Mary/St. Barbara parishes, and Community Bible Chapel in Norway.

Feeding America is bringing the mobile food pantry to the area from the West Michigan Food Bank near Grand Rapids, Mich. It operates a network of food banks and is the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Anyone who needs food assistance is welcome to come and receive produce and groceries that have been made available by donations and partnerships from people and corporations that share the goal of solving the problem of hunger in America.

Registration will be done by volunteers at each vehicle, and participants are asked to remain in their vehicle during this process to help insure the health and safety of everyone.

Anyone with questions or willing to help with distribution can call White at the Grace United Methodist Church office at 906-563-8917.