national guard helping in the warehouse

COVID-19 Hunger Heroes Part 6: MI National Guard dedicates 2 ½ months to hunger-relief efforts during pandemic

From March 16 through June, Feeding America West Michigan has distributed an unprecedented amount of food – 8,956,560 pounds to be exact. That’s roughly 40 percent more food than we distributed during the same time frame in 2019. This food – equivalent to nearly 7.5 million meals – wouldn’t have made it to the hands of our neighbors facing hunger if it weren’t for the support of 17 dedicated Michigan National Guard members. Continue reading

A reefer (back part of a truck) with the food bank's logo on it awaits loading.

COVID-19 Hunger Heroes Part 5: Subaru, ConAgra and other supporters help Feeding America West Michigan meet increased need through new and replacement equipment

When the COVID-19 crisis hit, closing jobs and schools, Feeding America West Michigan quickly saw a ripple effect. As neighbors who had never needed food assistance before found themselves facing empty cupboards, and those already facing hunger found it even … Continue reading

Katie poses with the food she received at the Mobile Pantry

COVID-19 Hunger Heroes Part 4: United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties brings 44 Mobile Pantries to neighbors in need during pandemic

On a sunny day in early June, cars lined the road leading up to Saranac High School’s football field. The cars’ drivers waited patiently for the Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry to begin. They watched as volunteers unloaded thousands of pounds of fresh produce and other food from one of the food bank’s trucks and prepared it for distribution. Continue reading

Together, we’re fighting hunger in West Michigan and the U.P. despite unprecedented challenges

Now more than ever, access to nutritious food is essential to keeping families in need healthy. Fortunately, our agency partners, volunteers, donors, staff members and so many others are stepping up to fill plates despite challenges. Even the National Guard is lending a hand! Continue reading