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Flint Mobile Pantry Provides Food That Limits Effects Of Lead Exposure

View of the Flint river
Maria Palmo
/
WKAR-MSU
The Flint River.

While distribution of bottled water to Flint has stopped, there are still resources for Flint families to get food that can limit the effects of lead exposure. WKAR’s Katie Cook reports.

 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint have been partnering on the Mobile Food Pantry project since February 2016.

The initiative is funded by the state, as part of the more than $300 million it has spent on the Flint water crisis.

Provisions at the pantries include produce like potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Bob Wheaton of the Department of Health and Human Services explains the importance for continuing this food distribution in Flint.

“This was kind of an expanded effort to address people impacted by the water crisis. It’s very important for people exposed to lead, particularly children, to have access to healthy food that’s rich in calcium and vitamin C and iron and other nutrients that can help limit the effects of lead exposure.”

 

The pantries can be found at churches and other locations around the city, in addition to three Flint Help Center locations, which are located at Bethel United Methodist Church, Asbury United Methodist Church, and Greater Holy Temple.

 

To find out more and to see the May schedule for the mobile pantry, click here.

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