Hunger Awareness Week: November 16–22

/ Hinton Real Estate Group/

Supporting Ypsilanti, Michigan — One Neighbor at a Time

Hunger Awareness Week is more than a national observance — it’s a reminder that right here in Ypsilanti, families, students, and seniors face food insecurity every single day. And while our city is full of heart, creativity, and community pride, many of our neighbors quietly struggle to put meals on the table.

This week gives us a chance to learn, raise awareness, and take real action to support the people who make Ypsi the vibrant place we love.

Hunger in Ypsilanti: What It Really Looks Like

Ypsilanti is home to diverse and hardworking households — but food insecurity doesn’t discriminate. Rising costs, limited transportation, and unexpected hardships can push even steady families into difficult choices between food, rent, and essential bills.

Hunger can look like:

  • EMU students skipping meals to afford textbooks

  • Parents stretching groceries to last the week

  • Seniors relying on food pantries while living on fixed incomes

  • Children depending on school meals as their most reliable source of nutrition

This isn’t someone else’s problem — it’s ours, as a community, to support.

Local Ypsilanti Organizations Making a Difference

If you want to make an impact during Hunger Awareness Week, start local. These Ypsi-based organizations are doing powerful work every day:

Food Gatherers – Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti

Website: https://www.foodgatherers.org/

Food Gatherers distributes millions of pounds of food every year throughout Washtenaw County — including Ypsilanti pantries, community kitchens, and school programs.

Hope Clinic Ypsilanti

Website: https://thehopeclinic.org/

Providing groceries, hot meals, medical care, and essential support to local families with dignity and compassion.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels

Website: https://ymow.org/

Serving homebound seniors across Ypsilanti with nutritious meals and wellness checks.

EMU Swoops Food Pantry

Website: https://www.emich.edu/swoops/

A critical resource offering food and necessities to Eastern Michigan University students facing hunger.

Ypsi Food Co-op Community Pantry Support

Website: https://ypsifoodcoop.org/

Known for its community-first philosophy and regular support for local food security programs.

How Ypsilanti Residents Can Get Involved

Big change starts with small acts.

✔ Donate Food or Essentials

Drop off non-perishable items, hygiene products, or baby supplies at local pantries.

✔ Volunteer Locally

Whether packing boxes at Food Gatherers or helping Hope Clinic serve meals, an hour of your time goes a long way.

✔ Support Community Drives

Local businesses, schools, and churches often host holiday donation drives — every can counts.

✔ Spread the Word

Share resources on social media or connect a friend with a local pantry. Awareness saves lives.

Why This Matters to Us at Hinton Home Loans

Stable housing starts with stable households — and that includes access to food. When families don’t have to choose between groceries and housing costs, our entire community becomes stronger, safer, and more connected.

Supporting our neighbors is part of supporting Ypsilanti’s future.

Together, Ypsi Shows Up

During Hunger Awareness Week and beyond, let’s continue to be the city that shows up for one another. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share a resource, you’re part of the solution.