For over 40 years, the Emergency Food Closet at Belleville First United Methodist Church (BFUMC) has stood as a beacon of hope for families across Belleville, Van Buren Township and Sumpter Township. Established in 1983, the Food Closet provides essential groceries and personal-care items to neighbors in need, making sure no one in our community goes hungry.


Serving With Heart

The Food Closet is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offering a warm welcome to anyone seeking assistance. First-time visitors receive food right away, while ongoing support is available with a simple referral from local partners such as the Salvation Army, a pastor, school, social worker, doctor, or health agency.

Each week, volunteers prepare grocery bags filled with a rotating menu of nutritious essentials, including meat, lunch meat, dairy, bread, and even a four-roll package of toilet paper. When the Food Closet is closed, the Free Little Food Pantry on Charles Street remains open – available 24/7 for those in urgent need.


A Volunteer-Driven Mission

At the heart of the Food Closet’s success are its dedicated volunteers, the lifeblood of this mission. Each week, they sort donations, pack bags, stock shelves, and greet clients with genuine kindness and compassion. Their commitment transforms a simple act of charity into a powerful expression of love and dignity.

In 2025, the Food Closet has already distributed 2,275 bags and refrigerated items, serving 314 families, including 143 new clients – that’s 615 more bags than last year. Nearly 44 percent of clients are seniors, and the team of 30 volunteers ensures every one of them receives care and respect.


Honoring Marilyn Wood

Among this remarkable team, one name stands out – Marilyn Wood, the longtime coordinator of the Emergency Food Closet. Marilyn has dedicated countless hours over the years to organizing volunteers, managing food donations and making sure every bag and every person is treated with thoughtfulness and care.

Her steady leadership and compassion have kept the program running smoothly year after year. Those who work alongside her describe Marilyn as “the heart of the operation” – a quiet force of kindness who never seeks recognition but deserves every bit of it. Thanks to her devotion, thousands of local families have been fed and supported in times of need.


Community Support Keeps It Going

This vital program continues thanks to the generosity of BFUMC members, community residents, local churches, businesses, and civic groups. Partnerships with organizations like Meijer’s “Simply Give” program, the Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive, the BFUMC Men’s Club Garage Sale, and bottle drives by the Dolot family all help keep shelves stocked.

Together, these efforts reflect what makes Belleville special – a town where neighbors truly care for one another.


How You Can Help

There are many ways to make a difference:
• Volunteer your time alongside Marilyn and the dedicated team.
• Donate non-perishable, unexpired food or personal-care items such as shampoo, soap, razors, paper towels, and toothpaste.
• Contribute financially – checks may be made payable to BFUMC with “Food Closet” on the memo line.

Every donation, large or small, helps keep the shelves full and the community fed.


More Than a Meal

The Emergency Food Closet is more than just a source of food, it’s a testament to the power of compassion and community spirit. Through the hard work of volunteers and leaders like Marilyn Wood, this long-standing mission continues to bring hope, nourishment and dignity to those who need it most.

To learn more or get involved, visit Belleville First United Methodist Church, 417 Charles Street, or call (734) 697- 9288. Together, we can continue to lift one another up. One meal, one act of service and one kind heart at a time.