MANISTIQUE — Troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) in Manistique have partnered with Jack’s Fresh Market to help the most vulnerable citizens by delivering groceries to ease the burden of leaving their home.

MSP Sergeant Mark Giannunzio contacted Kara Ziminski, organizer of grocery delivery and curb-side pickup at Jack’s, after brainstorming with his troopers on ways to help their community during the health crisis.

“I knew Kara was starting a new curb-side pickup and delivery service from Jack’s and found out they could use our help delivering groceries,” said Giannunzio. “My troopers were very much on board.”

Ziminski worked out the details with Giannunzio and got the program up and running.

“It was all his idea,” said Ziminski. “Everyone at Jack’s was excited about the idea.”

Ziminski said since they started running a curb-side pickup and delivery service she has noticed the number of in-store customers going down.

“We still see a lot of people, it’s crazy … everyday more pickup orders are being placed, which is a good sign. The more that people know about our service, the more it’ll be used,” said Ziminski. “No order is too small, or too large, but we do restrict orders of tobacco, alcohol, and requests for lottery tickets.”

Orders must be paid in advance with a credit or debit card when placing an order. The service is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Curb-side service, and delivery from a trooper are free, regular delivery service is $2. MSP troopers deliver within Manistique city limits, where as Jack’s will deliver throughout Schoolcraft County.

“This service is new for our town,” said Ziminski. “They call and we ask if they’re interested in the trooper, or curb-side pickup.”

Giannunzio said his troopers deliver the food items when they can, but public safety is always number one.

“We call the person inside after dropping their food off at their front door, keeping in line with social distancing,” said Giannunzio. “We average about one delivery a day. We’re not busy, but the free delivery is there.”

Both Ziminski and Giannunzio have found the partnership to work out well.

“It’s been great. They (troopers) are all great and they’ve helped out a lot of people already. I am so thankful and proud to live in our community,” said Ziminski.

Giannunzio is ingrained in the Manistique area and is always looking for ways to go above and beyond.

“Manistique is a close knit community and we can all use each other’s help,” said Giannunzio.

Residents can call Jack’s at 906-341-8070 and place their grocery order with Ziminski, or email her at kara.ziminski@jacksfreshmarket.com