By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing Writer
October 16, 2026
Mild October weather offered a chance to see food assistance, street construction, and community planning activities around Albion this past week.
Food assistance continues in Albion even as South Michigan Food Bank’s Mobile Market concludes its scheduled visits for the season.
The traveling food pantry made its last scheduled Albion stop Oct. 9, but the Food Bank also supplies food to the Community Table of Albion, a program managed by the Albion Health Care Alliance.
The Community Table distributes food at Marshall Opportunity High School, 225 E. Watson St. Drive-through distributions begin at 3 p.m. on the second, third, and fourth Tuesdays of each month. A walk-in pantry is open the first Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
According to the Albion Health Care Alliance, donations help the Community Table purchase food through its food bank partnership at prices lower than individual shoppers typically pay. Residents can learn how to receive food assistance, volunteer or donate at https://www.albionhca.org/.
Pavement preparation is underway on West Cass Street near Holland Park, where crews have been replacing underground utilities before rebuilding the roadway.
According to the city’s Oct. 5 construction update, crews completed the water main installation and sanitary sewer replacement. Most of the storm sewer replacement was also finished, with the remaining work scheduled before roadway grading and concrete installation.
On Oct. 13, construction equipment and workers were visible along the roadway near Holland Park, where road closures and detour signs remained in place.
Planning for Albion’s future is underway through Albion Together, a citywide project that includes a housing assessment. The city and consulting firm McKenna are inviting residents to share what they value about Albion and what they would like to improve.
Last weekend, McKenna planners held a pop-up event outside the Albion District Library, where residents could learn about the project and share their ideas. More than 180 survey responses had been received as of Oct. 12, according to Lauren Sayre, senior planner and GIS manager with McKenna.
Another pop-up event is planned for Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ludington Center, across from Albion’s Coca-Cola mural, during the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce’s Sweets on Superior downtown trick-or-treat celebration. Visitors can participate in the planning project through a paper survey or a creative mapping activity using an aerial map of Albion and colorful sticky notes. Costumes are welcome, and families can enjoy the trick-or-treat festivities while sharing their ideas about Albion’s future. The survey is also available online through Oct. 31 at https://AlbionTogether.com.
With the weather still inviting people outdoors, there’s plenty to see, do and discover around Albion.