KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) -United Way of South Central Michigan is joining with the Michigan Association of United Ways, the Kellogg Company and local United Ways statewide in a two-week virtual effort to feed families by helping stock the shelves of Michigan’s food banks and pantries.
The second annual Summer Stock Up aims to raise funds to help address the need for more food resources between June and August, when demand at food banks grows by 20%.
Donors can make a financial gift online at www.summerstockup.org. The fund drive runs Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 24.
“Having enough food is a basic challenge for hard-working, low-income and poverty-level households,” said Chris Sargent, UWSCMI President and CEO. “That challenge becomes more difficult during summer, when the days get longer and children aren’t eating meals at school. Add to that the rapid rise in food costs, and families face impossible decisions like choosing between food and medicine, or food and rent.”
Sargent said the success of the inaugural Summer Stock Up in 2021 bodes well for the power of the program. Last year’s effort raised over $63,000 and collected more than 46,000 pounds of food, helping 220 food pantries across the state.
“Summer Stock Up is one of many partnerships and initiatives we participate in to help ensure everyone has access to fresh, healthy food through summer and beyond,” Sargent said.
To support the Summer Stock Up in your community or learn more, visit www.summerstockup.org.
