Services
Our Full Range of Services
Food Services
I Care works in partnership with Harvesters and DCF to distribute food through the TEFAP program to residents of Shawnee County. This program has federal income guidelines, must be used for home consumption and can not be sold, bartered or used inappropriately. It is a 30-day program, allowing clients to come once a month. This program distributes products obtained through Harvesters at no cost, providing the pantry guests a choice of items available at the time. No guarantee of product availability can be made.
The I Care Food Pantry provides emergency food assistance every 60 days to people in the service area (south of 6th street and east of Kansas Ave. to the county lines). I Care uses a client Choice model based on the number in each household. This system allows pantry guests to take into consideration their dietary restrictions, like and dislikes and what they may already have on hand when making choices. This program provides a wide range of food including eggs, margarine, meat and the availability of milk. It also includes a selection of hygiene products.
Baby Care Program
I Care realizes there is a great need for help in caring for the babies and children in our community. 1 in 3 families cannot afford the diapers their baby needs let alone formula and hygiene supplies.
Because of these facts I Care has started a Baby Care Program. We provide 18 diapers and a package of wipes once a month to the household in which the baby lives. We supply formulas and other supplies as available. We also have a clothing bank for babies and children which is available to households when they come for food. This program is available to households in the I Care service area with whom the baby/child lives.
Baby Care Program
I Care is a community partner in the Back Snack program with Highland Park Elementary, Ross Elementary and Pine Ridge Prep. About 300 packs are prepared each week.
School Supplies
Every July I purchase basic school supplies which are then provided to 12 area schools. The intent is for these supplies to be placed in a central supply area for teachers to provide to students who do not have the resources for school supplies.
Special Events
I Care enjoys holding several special events during the year for families in their service area.
Holidays are celebrated with a food giveaway in the parking lot where food appropriate for the season is provided, i.e. Easter hams, July 4th hot dogs.
Give Food
Donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items are always needed and welcome. Items can be brought to I Care, 2914 SE Michigan, Monday through Friday 8:30 to 11:30.
We appreciate fresh produce. If you have excess garden bounty please remember I Care. Bring it to I Care during our open hours or give us a call to arrange another time for delivery or for us to pick up.