Lansing, Michigan – The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) will bring focus to hunger in our community as the result of two special events on September 13. First, the fall return of the Lansing Economic Club series of programs will feature a panel discussion on food insecurity in our region. Later the same day, LRCC will host its monthly member mixer at the Greater Food Bank complex in Bath Township.

Details of the two events are as follows: 

Lansing Economic Club                                          LRCC Member Mixer

Tues. Sept 13                                                            Tues., Sept. 13

11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.                                                 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

MSU Kellogg Center                                              Greater Lansing Food Bank

219 S. Harrison Rd, East Lansing                          5600 Food Ct., Bath

Registration for both events can be completed at www.lansingchamber.org. 

It is estimated that 1 in 7 residents in the Greater Lansing Food Bank's service area is food insecure, around 94,000 individuals. These individuals include working parents, children, seniors, and veterans. The Greater Lansing Food Bank has moved forward on a vigorous five-year goal to double its current food distribution to meet the increasing need. 

“The issue of food insecurity touches every one of us in some way, whether it is someone in our family or where we work,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, of LRCC. “We hope the combination of these two programs will heighten awareness of the need for all of us to support efforts to address hunger issues  in our region.” 

The September Economic Club will feature a panel discussion including Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, and Dr. Phil Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. The luncheon will focus on how food insecurity impacts every business, from employees and their families, clients and potential clients, and the communities in which they operate. This program will be moderated by Michelle Lantz, CEO of Greater Lansing Food Bank. 

The LRCC Member Mixer held later that evening at the Greater Lansing Food Bank complex will give business leaders an opportunity to visit the new state-of-the-art food bank and distribution center at Webster Road and I-69. There will be opportunities for attendees to discuss sponsorship, donation, and volunteer opportunities at the Food Bank. 

Attendees of both events are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items to support the Food Bank. 

“Covid-19 presented a trifecta of issues for food banks, including fewer food donations, temporary interruptions in the food supply, and disruptions to traditional operating models, said Michelle Lantz, CEO, of Greater Lansing Food Bank. “Together with thousands of volunteers, community leaders, champions, partners, and our dedicated team, we will truly impact food insecurity in the greater Lansing region.” 

About the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive. No mid-Michigan business stands alone when they are a member of the Chamber. For 121 years, the Lansing Chamber has served as the voice of the Greater Lansing business community. More information about LRCC and its programs and services can be found online at lansingchamber.org, Facebook, Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@lansingchamber) and LinkedIn.