Originally published on 4-5-07

EDITORIAL
Spring Food Raiser should cause us to think of others

 
When mealtime rolls around, most of us think about what we are going to eat. But for too many Michigan residents, it has become a question of whether they are going to eat.

They are the faces behind a state unemployment rate that is among the highest in the nation and an economy that continues to shed jobs. Some have reached the point where they must decide whether to spend their scarce dollars on food for their children or a roof over their heads.
The Detroit News reported last month that a record 1.19 million Michigan residents - or about one in every nine - are receiving government food assistance.

While various public and private programs seek to alleviate hunger, there are steps that we as individuals can take to help as well.

That is why the Food Bank of South Central Michigan once again is sponsoring its Spring Food Raiser events, designed to raise awareness of hunger and provide support for those among us who don't have the resources to feed their families every day.

Activities got under way Tuesday with the 15th annual Supermarket Sweep, featuring teams of area media representatives and others who competed to fill up their grocery baskets at the Lakeview Felpausch store. They collected 807 pounds of food valued at $1,354.20 which will be distributed to the 272 nonprofit agencies that are served by the food bank.

If you want to become involved, there will be numerous opportunities in the coming weeks, including:

  • Check Out Hunger: From now through May 6, you can add a contribution to the food bank to your grocery purchases at all local Felpausch Food Centers.
     
  • Enquirer/Thayne Art Mart/Felpausch bag insert: This Sunday's Battle Creek Enquirer will include a special grocery bag that you can fill with nonperishable food items and drop off at your local Felpausch store. You also can purchase special pre-made bags of groceries at Felpausch stores as part of this event.
     
  • The Feinstein Challenge: By making a contribution to the food bank no later than April 30, the Feinstein Foundation will add to it with a partial match. Write "Feinstein Challenge" on the memo line of your check and send it to Food Bank of SCM, P.O. Box 408, Battle Creek, MI 49016 or go online at www.foodbankofscm.org.
     
  • Michigan Education Association's Souper Kids: From now through April 26, students at area schools are collecting soup and other nonperishable items to donate to the food bank.
     
  • Canned Sculpture Exhibit: For the 16th year, the Canned Sculpture Exhibit will feature works of art created from canned food items. The exhibit will be held from April 21 to May 6 at Lakeview Square mall, and are residents are invited to attend and vote for their favorite sculptures.
     
  • National Association of Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger": On Saturday, May 12, postal workers in Battle Creek and Marshall will collect donations of nonperishable food items when they deliver the mail.
     
  • Ameriprise Financial Inc.'s Drive Out Hunger Golf Outing: This four-person scramble competition with a shotgun start will be held May 25 at Cedar Creek Golf Club. Register at the club.
     
  • Donor Day Skid-A-Thon: The Spring Food Raiser will conclude on National Hunger Awareness Day, June 5, when food manufacturers, retailers and distributors will deliver pallets or "skids" of food donations to the food bank.

    Spring Food Raiser events should cause those of us lucky enough to have plenty of food to reach out and help those who are not so fortunate.