Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger is committed to linking donors...to processors...to charities that feed those in need. Distribution of donations to those in need is achieved primarily through the utilization of the food bank network Many Hungry: Give to Food Banks for Christmas, MLHS Urges
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(HUNGRY? The following are listed by the Michigan Food Bank Council as contact numbers for emergency food in Bay County: Information & Referral Center: 800-514-4211; Food Bank of Eastern Michigan: 810-239-4441; Michigan State University Extension Office: 989-895-4026.)
Sharon Parks, president of the Michigan League for Human Services, is urging state residents to give to local food banks to meet needs of a growing number of hungry people.
"As we enter the period between Thanksgiving and the December holidays it's hard not to notice the many appeals for help in meeting the basic needs of less fortunate people in our communities," said Ms. Parks.
"This is particularly true when it comes to putting food on the table. Food banks across the state report being swamped and are pleading for donations. The food bank in the suburban Lansing community in which I live reports a 34 percent increase in need over last year."
The Food Bank Council of Michigan sponsors Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger. The Food Bank Council is a state wide agency that represents its member food banks that serve all 83 counties in Michigan.
A food bank serves as a common solicitor, storehouse and distributor of food on behalf of its member agencies which are non-profit, charitable organizations serving those in need.
There are over 2700 church pantries, shelters, soup kitchens and other agencies partnered with food banks throughout Michigan.
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, 2312 Lapeer Road, Flint, MI 48503; Phone: 810-239-4441; Fax: 810-239-4498; Web: www.fbem.org/Counties served: Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Bay, Cheboygan, Crawford, Genesee, Gladwin, Huron, Iosco, Lapeer, Midland, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair and Tuscola.
The good news is that food aid through the federal stimulus package enacted earlier this year has pumped $178 million into Michigan's economy, helping households across the state and easing some of the strain on local agencies, she said.
"This same stimulus package also provided additional benefits to unemployed workers and to recipients of the federal EITC, and plugged holes in Michigan's general fund and school aid budgets to the tune of $1.5 billion."
However, this good news is tempered by the fact that 2011 is likely to be an extremely difficult year as the current stimulus funds run out, job losses continue and state revenues continue to drop.
The League's Public Policy Forum on Thursday, Putting Michigan's Fiscal House in Order will put the economic news in perspective and highlight things Michigan can do to weather our own economic Katrina and work our way out of this morass.
In the meantime, Congress is being urged to consider additional fiscal relief for the states as a way of mitigating the effects of the "cliff" that states are headed toward. Michigan in particular, could use additional federal relief.
Ms. Parks concluded:
"As the year comes to a close the League is committed to working on long-term structural solutions to our problems and to ensuring that our vulnerable residents are not left behind. If you are interested in making a year-end donation to help us continue this work it is now possible to donate online. Happy holidays and a happy new year."
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