For most, the holidays are a time of celebration and family, often centered around a big feast. But for an estimated 1.2 million people in Michigan, the holidays mean a continued struggle with food insecurity.
In October, the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies launched its second Million Meal Challenge with a goal to donate more than one million meals to families in need. This effort brought together every part of the MFB family — staff, agents, county leaders and members — to create sustained community change. Knowing that every dollar raised equates to five meals, Farm Bureau Insurance and Agent Charitable Fund (ACF) each matched every donation dollar-for-dollar.
The week-long virtual campaign raised $203,730, or 1,018,650 meals. Over $12,500 of these donations came directly from our county Farm Bureaus. All money raised was donated to the Food Bank Council of Michigan and distributed to the seven regional food banks who are on the frontlines of hunger relief in all 83 Michigan counties.
These efforts continued to support the giving nature of Michigan farmers. In addition to this campaign, this year 20 county Farm Bureaus partnered with the ACF to donate more than $57,000 to local organizations and food banks directly addressing food insecurity in their communities. In 2020, dry bean farmers donated seven tons of dry beans, Michigan Turkey Producers donated over 9,000 pounds of turkey and Dairy Farmers of America donated 56,000 gallons of milk, just to name a few.
The number of Michigan families struggling with food insecurity continues to grow, not only in places like Detroit, Flint or Grand Rapids, but in our rural communities throughout the state. Coming together to support each other in these uncertain times is woven into our fabric to provide for and protect all Michigan families.
For more information about the Farm Bureau Insurance or Michigan Agent Charitable Fund, visit www.endhungerinmichigan.org.
Questions:
- How have you seen farmers in your county work to address food insecurity?
- What opportunities exist in your county for food donation (volunteering, gleaning, etc.)?
- What resources are you familiar with in your county to help families struggling with hunger?
- How can Michigan Farm Bureau best communicate opportunities like ACF grants and fundraising campaigns to end hunger to your members?
Submit your responses:
- EMAIL: [email protected]
- MAIL: MFB Community Group Discussion Topic Responses, ATTN: Michelle Joseph, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917
Please include your name and CAG affiliation.