SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

Secretary of State branches collecting donations

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that Michigan residents can again donate nonperishable food items at local Secretary of State branch offices to benefit needy families as part of the 19th annual Michigan Harvest Gathering.

Land kicked off the effort at the state Capitol alongside Don Koivisto, Department of Agriculture director and state appeals Judge Bill Schuette, a founder of Michigan Harvest Gathering. Spencer Johnson, president of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association and Jane Marshall, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan also joined in the announcement.

"Your generosity helps put a meal on the table for some of our most vulnerable populations," Land said. "Of the people expected to visit a food bank in Michigan this year, 38 percent are children and 14 percent are senior citizens. In fact, need for emergency food assistance this year is expected to increase 30 percent over last year. I encourage you to donate to Michigan Harvest Gathering."

Donated items can be dropped off at any Secretary of State branch through Friday, Dec. 11.

The campaign is coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, which supplies the state's regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.

People are asked to donate food items such as canned meats, dry beans, soups, beef stew, pasta products, peanut butter and tuna. Envelopes will be available for mailing cash donations, which are used to cover the cost of collecting and distributing the food. Donations may also be made online to Harvest Gathering's "Fill Michigan's Fridge" food drive at www.feedmichigan.org.

In 2008, Michigan Harvest Gathering collected more than 242,000 pounds of food and $679,000. The 2009 goal is 300,000 pounds of food and $650,000.

Related Links
> www.feedmichigan.org
> Michigan.gov/sos
> Branch Office Locator