Giving Back by Helping Out
What started as a simple partnership to give back has grown into an initiative that provides more than 9,000 meals per year.
Ensuring No One Goes Hungry
Max & Emily's has been dedicated to fighting food insecurity in Isabella County for over a decade through their People Helping People (PHP) program. In 2016, then-owner Tim Brockman and his family started the program to fill the gap for individuals without access to hot, nutritious meals when community agencies are closed. Through a shared concern to ensure that no one goes hungry, a partnership between Max & Emily’s and Isabella Community Soup Kitchen was forged.
People Helping People provides Isabella Community Soup Kitchen (ICSK) guests and other community members with meals on Sundays, when ICSK isn’t open for service. ICSK distributes PHP vouchers to their guests on Fridays for redemption on the following Sunday. This free meal includes a sandwich, soup or salad, chips, and fruit.
“We were fortunate to continue this partnership with Elmo when he took ownership of Max & Emily's,” said Sarah Adkins, Executive Director of the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen. “They’ve also sponsored our golf outing each year by providing an amazing meal for our golfers. Without the support of community partners like Max & Emily’s, we would not be able to provide 30,000 free meals each year to our community.”
“Our partnership is an example of how working together can have a significant impact on the well-being of our most vulnerable community members.”
Max & Emily’s team standing alongside Executive Director of the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, Sarah Adkins
When Disaster Strikes, Community Rallies
Every leader preps and plans for the worst-case scenario, but even with the best planning, nothing can combat the harsh reality when disaster strikes. In January 2026, the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen suffered extensive water damage and had to close for renovations for nearly four months.
Sarah knew that the damage was severe, but her main concern was how to continue providing their vital meal service to their guests safely and efficiently. While exploring their options, Max & Emily's agreed to provide free meals at their location on behalf of ICSK, Monday through Friday. Through this partnership, service continued without interruption, and community members’ access to free meals remained intact.
For Elmo Walton and his team, the question was never would they help, but how they would help. “We are happy to make a difference; we want to try and make the world a better place,” said Elmo. “The story [of People Helping People] is making a difference for people. Did you make a difference in someone’s life today? If so, that’s People Helping People at its core.”
On June 22, 2026, Sarah, in collaboration with the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the Max & Emily’s team with a certificate of appreciation, in recognition of the outstanding support that Max & Emily’s provided the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen during their time of need.
Elmo Walton (pictured left) standing with Isabella Community Soup Kitchen Board Chair, Mike Brockman (pictured right)
Make a Bigger Impact
Food insecurity affects anyone. From senior citizens, to single parents living paycheck to paycheck, to college students in between jobs, to veterans who served our nation, those in need come from all backgrounds. This type of community support is crucial to ensuring that free meals are available to anyone who may be struggling with food insecurity.
Want to help make a difference?
Learn more about volunteering or donating to the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen.
Learn more about supporting People Helping People by calling Max and Emily’s or stopping by the deli and speaking to Elmo, Brandy or Evan.