Aug. 27, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Putting Muscle Behind the Mission: Food Bank Launches Hunger Action Month Volunteer Challenge to package 50,000 meals worth of food
KENTWOOD — Ending hunger in our community is a monumental task that requires thousands of volunteers. To draw attention to the impact of volunteers, Feeding America West Michigan plans to recruit 100 new volunteers in September to commemorate Hunger Action Month.
Volunteering at the food bank is easy, fun, and purposeful — one hour of volunteering can provide nourishing food for up to 200 families. Volunteers at the food bank package bulk and donated food like pasta, cereal, and potatoes into family-sized portions. Volunteers also pack food boxes with nourishing staples for local pantries and senior food programs. Volunteer shifts are 2-3 hours long in a fun, fast-paced environment.
“Volunteers are the muscle behind the mission,” said Pattijean McCahill, Feeding America West Michigan’s President & CEO. “Last year, our warehouse volunteers provided 2.7 million meals for our neighbors, and the tasks are easy enough for anyone to do. When people volunteer here, they see that they can make a difference with a gift of time. We want more people to know about this opportunity to make a difference. We want them to join our volunteer community.”
Throughout West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, 1 in 7 people are making tough choices between food and other basic living expenses. Food insecurity has remained stubbornly high since 2022 amid high food and living expenses. Families with young children are among those who are struggling. Nearly 1 in 5 children in the food bank’s service area live in households that are food insecure.
If the food bank succeeds in recruiting 100 new volunteers in September, the volunteers’ combined efforts will provide at least 50,000 meals for neighbors throughout West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
A large portion of the food that volunteers process is donated by regional companies and farms. Companies donate food when they discontinue products, have manufacturing errors, or do not have a market for their products. Without the food bank and its volunteers, the food would most likely end up in landfills.
Volunteer registration is open to individuals and groups. Local businesses, churches, and service organizations are encouraged to sign up. Families are also encouraged to volunteer together, but please note that children must be at least eight years old to participate.
All new volunteers will get a Hunger Action 2026 shirt and food bank swag.
To learn more and sign up, visit feedwm.org/volunteer.
Hunger Action Month was developed by the national Feeding America organization, of which Feeding America West Michigan is a member. Food banks nationwide use the month to raise awareness of hunger and the many ways people can help. The Feeding America network is comprised of 198 food banks that serve every county in the United States.