Quarantines, masks and social distancing are critical to avoiding COVID-19, but none of those things eliminate a daily human need: food. Indeed, food was among the top demands to the COVID-19 Response Fund, and families continue to need healthy, nutritious meals today. Many people and organizations stepped up to help. Here’s a great example of how partnering with the Salvation Army and the South Michigan Food Bank helped address the need:
The Salvation Army continues to serve people’s food needs, even when they come during off-hours for the pantry. Through the Fresh Food Initiative, many people take advantage of fresh produce while picking up dry goods and meat to feed their families. Through the South Michigan Food Bank, one woman served was a multiple-time cancer survivor and a recoveree from COVID-19. She and others in her family were laid off and struggled to get unemployment. She said these food distributions have helped her family tremendously.
Beyond these important efforts, local pantries and the families they serve received food and meals during the pandemic through distribution at the Boos Center, part of the community-wide Jackson COVID-19 Action Network collaboration and the USDA’s Farmer To Family food outreach. United Way has been an important partner and funder in this response.
Food is our most basic need; sadly, hunger is one of the most common difficulties facing families in poverty or ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). United Way—with generous support from our community—is proud to work alongside local organizations to make sure every family has the opportunity to have a healthy, nutritious meal.