COLDWATER, MI (WTBB) – It may be only the middle of October, but preparations are officially underway for the Branch County Area Food Pantry’s annual holiday box distribution, scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Food pantry representative Renate Brenneke says they anticipate a significant surge in demand this year compared to previous years, citing the challenging economic climate alongside recent changes and cuts in government regulations.
Brenneke talks about what goes into the boxes that are picked up at the food pantry in a drive through fashion to cover both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
To ensure families receive their boxes, participants must pre-register for the event, with the registration deadline set for one week prior to the distribution date.
To meet this growing need, Brenneke emphasized that the food pantry is actively seeking donations from the community, specifically targeting a few essential items to complete the holiday boxes.
Community members looking to support their neighbors are encouraged to contribute these designated items over the coming weeks as to help ensure every registered family can take part, Brenneke says they can make cash donations streak a little farther then an average trip to the grocery store
Last year over 1200 boxes were distributed and that number is expected to grow this year
To put the need in perspective, in the latest statistics currently available, the food pantry served nearly 2,100 individuals in the month of August alone
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