Demand for free bread is sign of the times

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Demand for free bread is sign of the times

by Stacy Jenkins • OBSERVER STAFF WRITER • September 18, 2008




But, it's not cash or even a holiday ham that's bringing crowds to the Farmington Hills facility, it's free bread.

"When we see a need for something as simple as bread - 250 loaves in one day - it's unbelievable," said Capt. Chris DiMaso, of the Salvation Army.

DiMaso said it's a true sign of the tough economic times. He said the demographic of those who need assistance has changed, just in the four years he's been at the Farmington Hills branch of the Salvation Army.

"Things used to be very clear cut - people on one side of town needed help and people on the other side didn't," he said. "Now, we're seeing people from all over, many who don't know how they'll be able to pay their mortgage."

Each person is allowed three packages of the Pepperidge Farms bread, bagels or rolls. The bread is near expiration and is picked up every Monday by a volunteer named Scott.

"Every Monday, there are people waiting," he said about his return to the Salvation Army from the store.

Brenda Hirst of Redford gets bread for herself and for her neighbor.

"It helps out a lot," said Hirst, who is unemployed.

Diane Dorman of Farmington is also unemployed and has health problems. She picks up bread about once a month.

"Times are tough," she said. "This way, I don't have to buy as much bread; it's wonderful."

Roger St. Pierre of Detroit collects a few loaves for his household and also takes moldy bread to feed the birds.

"It's a great deal," he said. "Bread is expensive. It's day-old bread, but it's still good."

DiMaso said the bread is gone by the end of the day. Anyone who is in need can stop by, no questions asked.

"The worse the economy is, the faster the bread goes," said Karen Guerreso, office manager at the Salvation Army. "If people can save $10 per week, that's $10 they can spend on something else they need."

The bread arrives about 9:30 a.m. on Mondays at the Salvation Army, near the corner of Inkster and Shiawassee.