SUMMER STOCK UP 2022 RECAP

Replenishing West Michigan food pantries

For the 1 in 8 Michiganders who face hunger when school’s out for the summer, this season means fewer resources to feed their families. In fact, Michigan food banks see an almost 20% increase in visitors during the summer months. Without enough food, ALICE families must make difficult budget decisions, like choosing between buying food or paying for utilities or a needed prescription.

In addition, our Community Impact staff meet with our Community Grant Fund agencies twice annually to check in and assess the community’s needs. Here's what they’ve heard recently:

• The increasing cost of food is affecting nonprofit budgets and supplies. For example, large suppliers aren’t buying as much, limiting the amount pantries can purchase or receive as donations.

• There are many returning and new faces to food pantries as families try to stretch their budgets. An increasing amount of people who use pantry services are shopping at fresh markets and farm stands to supplement food needs.

• Transportation continues to be a barrier for people in need of food services.

We helped change that through Summer Stock Up. From June 13–24, Michigan United Ways teamed up with Kellogg’s to host a statewide food drive to stock pantry shelves and support families during the summer months. Here in Kent County, we partnered with local businesses to collect nonperishable pantry items for the following six local nonprofits:

• Green Apple Pantry

• Meals on Wheels Western Michigan

• North End Community Ministry

• North Kent Connect

• United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM)

• West Michigan Veteran Assistance Program

Then, during our Drive Thru & Donate event on June 22–23, volunteers helped us collect, sort, and pack donations outside at WZZM 13. In total, we collected 9,570 lbs. of food for area pantries. That’s 319 boxes full of nonperishable and nutritious food! Check out our video below to see real work with a real impact.

We’re simply overwhelmed by our community’s support for Summer Stock Up. You helped alleviate challenges—such as limited resources and time—local nonprofits face while they work to meet immediate needs and mobilize support. Together, we ensured more individuals and families will have access to healthy food all summer long.

Thank you to our company partners for making this event possible:

And of course, thank you to all our donors and volunteers who made Summer Stock Up a success—we couldn’t have done it without you!