Holiday Harvest Brings Critical Food Support to Detroit Families as Winter Need Grows

December 10, 2025

The Shumake Family Foundation is hosting its annual Holiday Harvest grocery giveaway in Detroit, responding to increased demand as families struggle with persistent inflation, high food costs, and rising utility bills during winter months. The December 22nd event will provide over 30,000 pounds of fresh food, household essentials, and community resources at Eastern Market, with organizers anticipating one of their largest turnouts in recent years. Since 2012, the foundation has served more than 25,000 Detroit families through various assistance programs, evolving from a backyard barbecue into a comprehensive community support initiative.

Who is affected

Detroit families struggling with inflation and rising costs
Parents choosing between gifts and groceries
Seniors living on fixed incomes with shrinking grocery budgets
Caregivers supporting elderly relatives or young children
Working residents whose wages cannot keep pace with the cost of living
More than 25,000 Detroit families who have received foundation support since 2012

What action is being taken

The Shumake Family Foundation is distributing more than 30,000 pounds of fresh food, essential household items, and community resources on December 22nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bert's Warehouse in Eastern Market
Partners (Young Titans, Forgotten Harvest, Catholic Charities, and Sugar Honey Iced Tea) are hosting on-site activations focused on sexual health education and wellness conversations
Volunteer registration is open at the provided Jotform link

Why it matters

Holiday Harvest addresses the critical gap between stagnant wages and the rising cost of living that leaves working Detroit families unable to afford basic necessities. While inflation may have technically cooled, grocery prices, transportation costs, and utilities remain at levels many households cannot absorb, forcing impossible choices during a season when parents want to provide stability and warmth. The event represents more than emergency food assistance—it embodies community-centered care that provides dignity and whole-person resources when economic pressures intensify, demonstrating how grassroots support often serves as the first line of defense for families facing financial strain.

What's next

Volunteers from block clubs, faith communities, youth groups, workplaces, and service organizations are encouraged to register for the December 22nd event
The Shumake Family Foundation has committed to expanding this legacy of service in the years ahead

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle