Page 3 - Samaritas Our Hands Fall/Winter 2023

MISSION SIZZLE

We live out our values every day at Samaritas by helping the people we serve thrive.

Quality Service

Vera & Joseph Dresner Foundation Grant and Toni A. Wisne Foundation Help Save the Day

Samaritas, Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners are Wayne County’s suppliers of bulk foods to local soup kitchens and food pantries through the
federal Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The federal TEFAP program strengthens the nation’s nutrition safety net
while supporting 100% American-grown agriculture.
So, when Samaritas’ Westland Center massive freezer failed earlier this year, the broken equipment jeopardized TEFAP’ ability to adequately
feed nearby families. Feeding America estimates 18% of the total Wayne County population, including a third of all children, experience food
insecurity. Families and seniors rely on Samaritas TEFAP food distributed from 32 local food pantries hosted by area community centers,
churches, city offices, and senior centers. Without a working freezer, Samaritas could not accept and distribute frozen proteins, fruits and
vegetables, rounding out healthy meals for seniors and children.

The Vera and Joseph Dresner and the Toni A. Wisne Foundations sprung into action to help fix the freezer problem. The Vera and Joseph
Dresner Foundation granted $50,000 and the Toni A. Wisne Foundation donated $25,000 toward new condensers with additional grants
covering the full freezer repairs. With the new and improved freezer, TEFAP staff will continue its work to address food insecurities, especially
for families with reduced SNAP benefits. With each delivery of fresh and frozen healthy items Samaritas is providing access to fresh food for
more than 4,000 people a month. We are grateful for the Vera and Joseph Dresner and Toni A. Wisne Foundation and look forward to
collaborating on more fruitful projects. To learn about other ways you can help homeless families, including volunteering and mentoring,
contact Kayla Park at Kayla.Park@Samaritas.org.

The Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides commodity foods
to eligible low-income residents in Western Wayne County and in the downriver areas.
Items are distributed to more than 30 sites throughout Wayne County. Participants of
SNAP, WIC, FDPIR, CSFP or free and reduced school meals are eligible for TEFAP. Others
who meet the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines may also qualify.

Visit Samaritas.org/BuildingCommunities/FamilyCenter to learn more.
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