This special award was presented in recognition of the TEFAP volunteers' ongoing commitment and contributions within the Canton community. Canton Township first began participating in The Emergency Food Assistance Program in December, 2009. This federally funded supplemental food program, which is currently administered in the Canton community by the Canton Supervisor’s Office, dispenses food to low income families, with a goal of providing better access to nutritional food.
Each month, Canton Leisure Services coordinates community volunteers, who distribute TEFAP food items to qualifying residents on the third Wednesday at Canton’s community recreation facility, the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway, in Canton, MI.
The TEFAP process starts with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchasing food, which is made available to the Department of Social Services, who then provides it Wayne County, Michigan, who passes it along to local community organizations for distribution in their area. Canton volunteers unload the pallets of these items, sort the food, and then packaged it for distribution according to the recipient’s family size. In addition, these volunteers often assist with registration, distribution, and loading of commodities into the program recipients’ cars.
"This mParks Community Service Award is further proof that Canton’s dedicated volunteers are truly making a difference within our community” said Canton Leisure Services Director Debra Bilbrey-Honsowetz. “Because of their many hours of hard work, we are able to serve the children, families and seniors who need help within the Canton community."
Members of Canton’s TEFAP volunteer program currently include: Marian Busa, Gloria Cifaldi, Becky Copenhaver, Wayne Fercho, Tina Gitary, Sue Goodchild, Dennis Hindman, Rita Morris, Cam Nellett, Nila Patel, Mary Jo Raeck, Richard Pientak, and Marilyn Shedd.
Canton’s group of TEFAP volunteers has collectively logged over 2,200 hours of community service since the program’s start, with most of these volunteers continuing to serve as volunteers since the inception of the program.
For additional information about Canton Township’s The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), as well as other Canton Leisure Services classes, programs and events, please visit www.cantonfun.org or call 734/394-5360.