Nearly 70 years ago when Annie was just 9, she would wake up early, walk into town – rain, snow or shine – and peel potatoes at local restaurants. “They would give me a meal and something to take home … Continue reading
Mobile Food Pantry
School bus driver laid off, receives groceries for her family at Mobile Food Pantries in Niles
When schools began closing, parents across our service area struggled more than ever to make ends meet. Maria, a single mom of four, was impacted particularly hard: not only were her kids suddenly home, she also lost her job as … Continue reading
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
Marcellus Community Food Pantry: a beacon of hope amidst gaps in government assistance
Families across our service area are jumping more hurdles than ever as they work to put food on the table. SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) and unemployment benefits can be helpful, but for many in need, they leave a … Continue reading
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
Luther Lions Club: Treating neighbors like family, during the pandemic and beyond
A few days after Anna volunteered at her first Mobile Food Pantry, hosted by the Luther Lions Club, she found herself appointed the club’s president.