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Free food distribution planned Friday in Norway

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

The distribution will start as soon as set-up is completed but no later than 4 p.m.

This is a change in time from the usual 5 p.m. distribution. However, due to the need to manage traffic flow and prevent any backup of vehicles onto the highway, if people arrive ahead of the time of the distribution, it could be possible the distribution will start earlier if everything is ready sooner than anticipated.

Feeding America West Michigan allows the distribution to be conducted. Organizers have been informed that Feeding America is an essential service provider, so they 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. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order.

The distribution will be on a drive-through basis. Vehicles will line up in the parking lot of Norway Covenant Church at 120 Odill Drive in Norway. Those attending are asked to follow volunteers’ directions.

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 for health and safety reasons.

This food distribution is sponsored by a grant through the Dickinson Community Foundation and by the joint efforts of Bethany Lutheran, Evangelical Covenant, Grace United Methodist, St. Mary/St. Barbara parishes, and Community Bible Chapel in Norway.

A screening process will take place for anyone who wants to volunteer. Volunteers can come approximately 2 p.m., and they should dress appropriately for the weather.

For more information or to help with the distribution, call the Rev. Irene White at the Grace United Methodist Church office at 906-563-8917 or 906-420-1797.

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.

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