Every year, food pantries across Southwest Michigan are fully stocked in the winter months thanks to generous holiday donations—but when summer comes, donations drop dramatically and pantry shelves become sparse. This can leave low-income, hard-working families with limited options during this time of year.
Having enough food is a basic challenge for so many in Southwest Michigan—especially right now, as food and gas prices and other living expenses are increasing. While we are all feeling the effects of rising inflation, those in poverty-level and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households are experiencing it the worst.
At least 1 in 8 Michiganders face hunger, and with fewer resources during the summer months, Michigan food banks see an increase of 20% for families seeking food resources between June and August.
United Way of Southwest Michigan asks local businesses and community members to participate in our “Summer Stock Up” event to stock local food pantries with items to get them through the warmer months. The collected items will be delivered to pantries all over Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties.
Volunteers will be counting, sorting and assembling the donated food to prepare it for delivery.
*Volunteers will meet in the gym at Brookside Learning Center.
