More Than A Food Pantry

St. Paul of Tarsus’ Food Pantry provides more than just food to the community.

By Mike Lerchenfeldt

In a county as dynamic as Macomb, the strength of its communities often lies in the quiet, consistent efforts of organizations dedicated to lifting their neighbors.

One such pillar of support is the St. Paul of Tarsus Food Pantry, a beacon of hope for food-insecure individuals and families across Mount Clemens, Clinton Township, Fraser, Harrison Township, and parts of Sterling Heights.

For residents, a sudden job loss, unexpected medical bills, or other unforeseen crisis can quickly make putting food on the table a struggle. The pantry steps in to provide that critical safety net, offering emergency food to supplement needs. Its mission, as stated by the organization, is to serve local families with nutritional food and “share our blessings with respect and compassion.”

“We believe in our mission of nurturing souls and seeing human dignity in every person,” says Joyce Yaklin, St. Paul of Tarsus Food  Pantry  coordinator,  encapsulating the pantry’s ethos. The commitment goes

beyond simply handing out groceries, paper products or toiletries; it is about providing resources to help clients toward self-reliance and a healthier well-being. At the pantry they also provide counseling and more resources, including  job  assistance  and  financial budgeting assistance.

The scale of their dedication is impressive. In 2024 alone, the pantry provided essential sustenance to 1,926 families and 5,190 individuals. This heroic effort depends on the generosity of the community and the dedication of its team.

“There are a lot of families struggling,” Yaklin says. “It is hard for families to afford food with the increase in prices. In September, we served 166 families which consisted of 430 individuals.”

The St. Paul of Tarsus Food Pantry is a nonprofit entity that runs as a financially self-sufficient organization, a testament to the strength of its fundraising efforts and the consistent support of its donors.

“We are immensely grateful to our many donors,” Yaklin says. “Their support is what allows us to give our clients the food necessary to feed their families during their time of need. There is a weekly need list for the community in our church bulletin. We have a fundraising committee that meets weekly to raise funds that enables us to purchase our food.”

A resolute team of 40 to 45 volunteers works tirelessly to sort, pack and distribute food, ensuring the pantry’s operations run smoothly. The pantry is a prime example of how Macomb County residents step up for one another, illustrating the powerful truth that when neighbors help neighbors, the entire community thrives.

“I would like to think our pantry is more than just a place for food; it’s a place of hope,” Yaklin says. “We are committed to providing that support and compassion to anyone who walks through our doors from the areas we serve.” The St. Paul of Tarsus Food Pantry truly embodies the spirit of making a difference in Macomb County.