The Church of the Holy Trinity Episcopal in Manistee recently received a $2,500 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation in May to support their baby pantry at 110 Maple St.
The Holy Trinity Baby Pantry, which opened on Dec. 3, 2022, aims to assist local families by providing essential supplies at no cost. These include infant formula, diapers, hygiene products, gently used clothing, and other necessities.
The initiative was inspired by a 2022 United Way report that highlighted a significant portion of Manistee County’s population falling under the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed category, amounting to 36%. Despite earnings above the federal poverty level, these families struggle to meet basic needs like housing, food, and childcare.
Currently, the pantry supports 83 families and 126 children, operating on the first and third Saturdays of each month from noon to 3 p.m. Families with children under six years old are encouraged to visit, with no income qualifications required to receive assistance.
