OUR STORY

History

The Daily Bread of Lenawee, Inc., was founded in 2001 by Charlene Wielfaert. She had a dream to provide meals for those in need and searched for an appropriate location.  Grants and donations from local foundations and businesses made it possible to purchase a building.

The Daily Bread is still in operation at the original location, 302 South Tecumseh Street, on the east side of Adrian.

Now, in addition to lunch and emergency food pantry service, The Daily Bread provides personal care bags on a Saturdays. There are also musical and arts events and special holiday celebrations. The Daily Bread provides opportunities for job skill training through collaborative efforts.

Everyone is welcome to eat at The Daily Bread. Patrons hail from every zip code in Lenawee County. Some people are just passing through, others become “regulars”.

In 2020, in response to the COVID19 pandemic, The Daily Bread quickly adapted to providing carryout meals to the community. In 2020 we provided 33,769 hot meals and distributed 2,110 pantry bags. The Daily Bread was the recipient of 17 grants to help defray expenses.

The Daily Bread employs a full-time Executive Director, a part-time Culinary Specialist and a part-time Program Coordinator. The Daily Bread is reliant on volunteers to assist with serving, chores and food pickup. Because there is no government funding, The Daily Bread relies on community support for financial and food donations.

OUR STAFF

Pamela Byrnes

Executive Director

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Pamela grew up in Adrian and earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She has over 20 years of experience working with non-profits. Being a part of The Daily Bread has been a long-time dream of Pamela's, and she is thrilled to be able to serve the Lenawee County community. 

Jess Brainerd

Program Coordinator

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In September 2020, Jess Brainerd became the part-time Program Coordinator at The Daily Bread. Her smiling face greets patrons when they enter the building every day, and she manages our pantry and hygiene programs. Jess was born and raised in Adrian.  

Calvin Hicks 

Culinary Specialist

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Calvin Hicks has been the Culinary Specialist since May, 2019. He grew up in Manitou Beach. He has previous culinary experience at Siena Heights University and JR's Hometown Grill and Pub. Calvin's hobbies are guitar and woodworking. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to donate?

The most preferable and simplistic form of donation is money. You can offer that through the website, or mail a check. We love it when donors come in person with a check so they can see how their contribution makes a difference. The Daily Bread has several bills to pay beyond the purchase of food.



How can I help?

In addition to cash donation, you can also donate food or time. Food is needed year-round, especially during the summer months when we are feeding more people. See our current needs list on Get Involved Page. Food can be dropped off during business hours. Volunteers are needed year-round for serving patrons.



How can I get food?

Lunch is served Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30am-2:00pm. All are welcome. The emergency food pantry is open Tuesday and Friday from 12:00-2:00pm. Pantry service is operated from the desk in the front of the building. You will need to bring a picture ID to receive food. You may utilize the food pantry service once per month.



What do I need to do to volunteer?

Please call, 517.266.0937 or email at thedailybread @frontier.com. Volunteers are scheduled one month in advance. The volunteer shift is 11:15am-1:45pm. Several groups volunteer on a monthly basis, so requests for volunteering on specific dates or holidays cannot always be accommodated.



Do you make deliveries?

No, we are unable to deliver meals or pantry items. We do not have take-out service. Please utilize Lenawee Transportation or Adrian Taxi to visit us during normal business hours.



Can you accept food that is outdated?

We do not pack outdated food in pantry bags. If you would not eat the food, please do not donate it to a pantry or soup kitchen. If food with an expiration date within the past year is received, it is placed on a table in the dining hall for patrons to choose. Anything with an expiration date older than the previous year is discarded.



Can The Daily Bread staff pick-up donated items?

Due to limited staff and no company vehicle, it is helpful if items can be brought to the Daily Bread during business hours. With advance notice, The Daily Bread staff can arrange to pick up items from businesses. There are no pick-ups from residential addresses.



What time can items be delivered to the Daily Bread?

Items can be delivered to the rear door during business hours, Tuesday-Saturday 8:00am-2:30pm. If you have a large delivery, we appreciate advance notice, so we can provide assistance, and make room for the items.



Can The Daily Bread pay electric bills or rent?

The mission of The Daily Bread is to provide meals, food and personal care items. We are not able to assist with bill paying. Please contact your utility provider directly for assistance options.



How do I know what you are serving?

The meal is based on what is available, so we are unable to publish a menu in advance. The meals and portion size meet USDA requirements. For information, see myplate.gov If you have a medical condition that requires certain dietary accommodations, please consult with the Executive Director.



Hours of Operation 

Hot Meals/Pantry Hours 

Hygiene Bag Distribution 

Tuesday 

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 

Saturday 

Sunday 

Monday 

11:30 - 2:00
11:30 - 2:00
11:30 - 2:00
11:30 - 2:00
11:30 - 2:00

CLOSED

CLOSED

Saturday

11:30-2:00

Special Dates

Jan     1

Mar  31

May 11

May 18

July     4

Aug    3

Aug  17

Oct   9

(11a-2p)

Oct   28

Nov  11

Nov  20

Nov  25

Nov 30

Dec 18

Dec   25

Closed New Years Day

Easter Meal 

*USPS Food Drive 

Golf Outing Fundraiser- canceled 

Closed Independance Day

*Picnic in the Park -canceled 

Block Party 

Adrian Eagle Riders Food Drive @ Country Market in Adrian

*Trunk or Treat Human Svc. Building 

Veteran’s Celebration 

Thanksgiving Meal

Closed Thanksgiving 

Giving Tuesday 

Christmas Celebration 

Closed Christmas