Martin Area Resource Center — Local services in Martin Township

I have used MARC several times over the years to fill in much needed items at home. During the summer months its hard to keep the fridge and cupboards stocked, and anyone with kids and their friends should know! Each first Tuesday of just about every month, rain or shine, MARC distributes food according to your family size. As a family of four we receive 50 lbs. And freshly grown produce of your choosing right from their gardens. Our likes about this place, is their desire to pray before distribution, the fresh fruits and veggies, and the 15 items of free clothing per family member, especially right before school starts. There is much to be desired here such as, # 1. Signs visible on where to park #2. The grass needs mowed where people do park, it is a field! #3. Voluteers should be kind, smile, and be helpful! Volunteering isnt always easy but you do it because you love the Lord and He always provides!#4 let the community know you need volunteers and train them so people aren't waiting 4 hours in the hot sun and humidity of summer for food.#5 stop giving away expired boxed food, many times it doesn't taste good or has bugs in it. Let the community know your needs and be available to receive it so its not wasted.#6 There are only five chairs to sit in, for 35-50 people, it doesnt work out. People go sit in their cars and miss their number in line. A volunteer needs to flip a number board, chalk board, whatever outside, that is visible so people don't have to walk in the building and ask "what number ya on?" #7 The volunteer in the food building should let each person know how many pounds of food they are allowed by their card they receive and that each can good is about 1lb. They need to count as they choose items, ive seen too many people at they end of the line embarrasingly go over their limit and have to put items back which takes up time. #8 people should only go through the fresh veggie line after the boxed food line, otherwise their perishable produce is sitting in a hot car for hours, going to waste! I love volunteering, maybe my help and suggestions can be put to good use at MARC!! So voluteer to help Allegan and Barry County residents get the most out of this...

They help people in the county who are in a desperate situation with so much food and delicious fresh veggies and food. They also help with any kind of clothing they have. It is a blessing right now with back to school clothes that many wonderful people need and are going through a difficult time and wouldn't be able to afford. They greatly appreciate any donations and there is a small building you can always drop off donations to. The people who run it and help volunteer...

They help less fortunate in area. They take metal and clean aluminum cans and old stoves to sell to put money back in to help people. Have a nice shed to put household items and clothing. Take working electrical items such as microwaves, blow dryers, etc. They have a food pantry so can leave canned goods, etc by that door. Also take cardboard and bring loads to sell and money goes back to helping people. Goes in push up door if no one there....