Serving a Need

The need happened so suddenly and was so great…Family Network burst into existence to relieve the stress of empty cupboards and stomachs.” From 2002-2007, much of the U.S. enjoyed economic prosperity while Michigan’s economy was mired in a one-state recession. In 2007 the rest of the nation joined Michigan in economic misery during the Great Recession. New people were joining the ranks of the unemployed every day. “With all of the insecurity our region was experiencing–we couldn’t fix everything, but we could provide food, so our neighbors could have at least one dependable thing–a monthly source of healthy food for themselves and their families.” said Gary Lemke founder. On April 1, 2004, our doors opened in a 200+ sq. foot strip-mall shop. We fed 10 families that first month. The first year we served 130,000 lbs. of food to 1,400 households. In 2019, we fed more than 11,000 individuals. Since our first year, we have grown and expanded our services to offer non-food programs and services such as: our durable medical equipment loan closet and annual Wyoming Christmas Store. Nourishing others is what we have done since 2004.

In 2020, we faced an unprecedented pandemic and again, the community came together and we were able to continue families who found themselves in an unpredictable situation. And as we continue to work through inflation and high gas prices, we strive to serve our community the best way we can.

The need continues, as does our story. Be a part of our story!