Special Project: Ann Arbor's Hidden Poor

In November, we began writing this special project about Ann Arbor's Hidden Poor as part of an ongoing series exploring poverty in Ann Arbor. Among those stories, we gave an overview of the local safety net, how that safety net is being strained and offered the first-hand stories of Ann Arbor residents who depend on it.

This month, we're zeroing in on food resources in the county and the challenge of eating healthfully while facing greater challenges, possibly of even eating anything at all. Although, many residents and experts alike agree it's easier to get help finding food during tough times in Ann Arbor than other areas of the state, there are still different barriers to getting a meal and ensuring it's a healthful one for those in need. And there has been an increased need for these food distribution services in recent months.

It is the second installment in an ongoing series pegged to look at resources and the barriers in the community when it comes to getting basic needs like housing, health care, transportation and education, topics we plan to explore in the coming months. And in a special installment later this week, we will look at how local distribution systems are set up to provide clothing and gifts to local families for the holidays.

It's all part of our look at the health of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County's safety net and something we hope trigger further conversation in the community about those in need locally.

David Jesse covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidjesse@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2534. Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at tinareed@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2535.