Punks with Lunch originally started in Oakland, CA in 2015. Since then, there have been 6 chapters throughout the country. While we are independent of the original charter, we try to maintain the goals and spirit of the original charter. Punks With Lunch started out as a small group of skater “punks” who identified a need to feed a homeless population near the skatepark where they would meet. They began making sandwiches and handing them out in the park.

Punks With Lunch chose this name and logo because “Punks” traditionally associate themselves with anarchy. In this case, that is not meant literally but more so with the way that society in general looks at individuals who struggle with food and housing insecurities. These individuals are often overlooked or discarded by society and end up outside the fray of “functional society”. Punks With Lunch choose to embrace these individuals as equal members of our community.

We have no idea what the circumstances are that bring our participants to us; we do not judge. We only know that they need various services including but not limited to food, water, health and hygiene supplies, survival gear to accommodate weather changes, clothing, harm reduction supplies and education.

You should know that some of our participants use illicit substances or excessive use of alcohol. Many of them are in various stages of recovery. It is important to reiterate, we do not judge. It is not our job to preach or provide opinions about their circumstances. If they come to us (often times with a mind towards recovery), we provide education and resources to help keep themselves and our community safe.

Our Core Values are LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, GRACE, INCLUSION and FORGIVENESS

We meet every other Saturday to prepare for distribution – commonly referred to as Distro. Typically, we meet at The Fledge located at 1300 Eureka Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 at 9:30am. After sack lunches are prepared, we all make our way to Reutter Park – downtown (across the street from the Lansing Public Library) and we setup for Outreach. We divide into teams; some stay in the park and accommodate patrons that approach us for services, while others go out into the community on foot or by Mobile Outreach to known encampments or areas where our patrons frequent.

We also meet at our storage facility at various times throughout that two-week distro period to organize and restock our resources. You can reach out to a Team Lead or a Board Member for dates and times if you’re interested in helping.

Other ways to be involved:

We work with multiple vendors in and around the greater Lansing area regarding food pick up and donations. Periodically, we will have times that volunteers will meet at a central location to pick up donations or repackage kits for distribution. Again, let a Team Lead know that you can help and they will set up times to go over details with you.

Reporting information is critical to the success of our mission. Sometimes we receive community specific information as to whether new encampments pop up or individual reports of people in need. Staying in the know helps us to distribute crucial resources.

If you’ve read this far, we’re hopeful that you agree with our mission and are ready to take the first step in being able to personally make a difference in our community.

We are looking forward to working with you and value your input towards the fulfillment and success of our mission. Welcome to Punks With Lunch!