With food insecurity becoming more urgent amid the federal government shutdown and benefit delays, more and more families are left wondering where their next meal may come from.

Those factors are contributing forces behind the Ken Stempowski Memorial Food Drive, a decades-long food collection program organized by the city of Sterling Heights Department of Public Works (DPW).

The 47th annual food drive effort is named in memory of the late Ken Stempowski, a DPW worker who founded the event as a simple act of kindness in the 1980s.

“Ken’s legacy reminds us that one person’s compassion can create lasting change,” DPW Director Mike Moore said in a news release. “This food drive has always been about neighbors supporting neighbors, and this year, that support means more than ever.”

This year, the city is partnering with the Chaldean Community Foundation to connect with more residents and provide food assistance to families experiencing hardship as many continue to feel the effects of the federal government shutdown and the temporary suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“The Chaldean Community Foundation is pleased to work alongside the City of Sterling Heights to address food insecurity in the region,” foundation president Martin Manna said in the release.

From Nov. 3- Dec. 17, donation bins will be available in city buildings, including City Hall, the Community Center, the Library, Police Department, the Senior Center, and the Department of Public Works facility.

DPW workers will also collect donations at the city’s signature community event, Sterling Christmas, on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Dodge Park.

Nonperishable food donations and monetary contributions are both accepted. All donations benefit the Community Food Bank of Macomb County, which supplies food pantries and meal providers across Macomb County.

Drop-off locations:
• DPW Facility: 7200 18 Mile Rd. (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.)
• City Hall / Community Relations: 40555 Utica Rd. (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• Sterling Heights Public Library: 40255 Dodge Park Rd.
• Sterling Heights Senior Center: 40200 Utica Rd.
• Sterling Heights Community Center: 40250 Dodge Park Rd.
• Sterling Heights Police Department: 40333 Dodge Park Rd. (24/7)
• Chaldean Community Foundation: 3601 15 Mile Rd. (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at (586) 446-2440, option 8.