MARQUETTE, Michigan (WLUC) – Some food pantries in Marquette are expected to be busy during the upcoming school year.

Kristina Mutersbaugh, program coordinator for The Salvation Army in Marquette County, says back-to-school brings additional costs.

“They’re trying to get backpacks and clothes, just everything that goes with back to school, so we’re actually seeing an increase in need,” Mutersbaugh said.

The Marquette site provided food to about 1,600 families last year, and this year the number is already increasing.

“Everyone needs food,” Mutersbaugh said. “We’re all struggling. To make sure our needs are met, we can help our families and households here in the city.”

Bob Barton, chairman of the Marquette St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Committee, says the need is year-round. This time last year, the pantry was serving about 150 families a month; now it’s serving 190 families.

“People are struggling to make ends meet with inflation and food prices,” Barton said. “Rents are high here in the Marquette area, so we want to make sure the kids are well fed and have something to eat so they can do their best in school.”

Depending on the size of the household, St. Vincent de Paul distributes small and large food packages with a little of everything. In the packages, families can look forward to meat, canned goods and baked goods.

Barton says Northern Michigan University students also use the food pantry and thrift store.

“People are so grateful for the food we give them,” Barton said. “I’ve seen people crying because they were so happy to get food from us.”

The Marquette Pantry of the Salvation Army of Marquette County is open Monday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Marquette St. Vincent de Paul food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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