Tackling Local Hunger: South Michigan Food Bank

Connection Corner (17)

JACKSON – For most of us, the biggest uncertainty about our next meal is what we’ll eat. But for thousands in Jackson County, the unknown is where that meal will come from.

United Way partners with South Michigan Food Bank to support food distribution and local pantries to make sure people can feed themselves and their families. Here is example:

Two neighbors who take care of young children visit a Fresh Food Distribution site together.  One had moved to the area with her son and daughter, and she recently began taking care of her two young grandkids. “We’re all helping each other,” she said, grateful for the fresh food that would stretch their budget that much further.

The other neighbor is a stay-at-home mom. Her husband has two jobs, but rising prices force them to visit the Fresh Food Distribution to make ends meet. “It’s a blessing even to receive a gallon of milk,” she said. “It goes a long way.”

These neighbors visit a Fresh Food Distribution site together because one of their cars broke down. “My neighbor stepped in to help with transportation. As moms, our first priority is making sure our kids are taken care of,” said one neighbor. “All the food we get goes to making sure they’re fed.”

Making sure our children are fed and healthy—that’s a big motivation for United Way’s work to create strong, caring communities where ever person is valued, thriving and connected for the common good.

Learn more about South Michigan Food Bank at smfoodbank.org. You can help make a difference with your gift today through our donation page online.