KINGSFORD — Feeding America West Michigan will bring a Mobile Food Pantry to Kingsford, on Wednesday at Redemption Hill Church, 332 South Carpenter Ave. in Kingsford.

This is a drive-thru food distribution, with food distribution beginning promptly at 10 a.m., with check-in/registration beginning at least an hour beforehand. Customers should be prepared for a lengthy wait in line.

Mobile food pantries are like farmers’ markets on wheels, providing between nine and 11 food items with each delivery. The groceries each customer household receives always include fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins for a healthy, balanced diet.

Free food is available to all households experiencing food insecurity.

A household is eligible for the supplemental food provided by a Feeding America mobile food pantry if it already receives some form of government food assistance, meets federal low income guidelines, or is simply in need of emergency food.

Based on this definition of food insecurity, a large number of individuals and families in Dickinson County and the surrounding area qualify to receive free groceries. “No one will be turned away,” site coordinator Anda Tavonatti said.

At registration time, a volunteer will take down information about each customer household: full name, full address, household size and make-up, and eligibility. Feeding America West Michigan does not require proof of eligibility, identity, citizenship or residency. One vehicle may pick up groceries for up to three households, as long as complete household information is provided.

During the colder months, Feeding America customers tend to leave their vehicle engines running for the duration of their wait in line. This exposes customers to exhaust fumes from the vehicle directly ahead of them.

To prevent such exposure, Tavonatti recommends customers move the air intake toggle on the vehicle dashboard from the mode that pulls in outside air to the one that recirculates the inside air. Customers who have already been registered are also welcome to turn off their car engines and come into the church lobby to warm up and visit with volunteers.

Questions about the Mobile Food Pantry or about volunteering should be directed to Tavonatti at 906-239-6778, not to Redemption Hill Church.

This Mobile Food Pantry is made possible by Feeding America West Michigan and local partner agency Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Iron Mountain.

Feeding America West Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Provider.