Food Bank Council expresses appreciation for heroic efforts 

LANSING, MI – Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent extension of Michigan National Guard forces for COVID-19 response through March 31, 2021, means more families will continue to receive emergency food.

The Guard has been instrumental in distributing food at Michigan’s seven regional food banks to help meet the influx of Michiganders experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic. The demand for food has nearly doubled compared to previous years, according to Dr. Phil Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan.

“Michiganders are struggling, but the Guard’s assistance has helped increase distribution of food to individuals and families in need by 41%,” said Knight. “The National Guard has come alongside of us to distribute more food to help even more families in need.”

The Stay At Home Stay Safe order has impacted the number of volunteers for food banks. The Michigan National Guard has stepped in to help pack boxes that feed 2-4 people, which are then distributed to counties across Michigan.

For more information on the Food Bank Council of Michigan, visit www.fbcmich.org.

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Founded in 1984, the Food Bank Council of Michigan was created to implement a unified strategy to address and alleviate hunger statewide. FBCM works with its regional food banks and over 2,800 hunger relief agencies, private companies, farmers, state and federal officials, and other allies to make sure no Michigander goes without food. For more information about the Food Bank Council of Michigan, visit www.fbcmich.org or call 517.485.1202.