What We Do
Our mission is to end hunger in South Michigan.
We envision communities where no one goes hungry and nutritious food is available to everyone.
What is a food bank?
A food bank is a non-profit that safely stores millions of pounds of food donated from local neighbors, retailers, grocery stores, farmers, manufacturers, and restaurants that will soon be delivered to local food programs, like a food pantry.
South Michigan Food Bank provides food to over 285 partner agencies. Our partner agencies run food pantries and other food programs to help us provide millions of meals to people each year.
How it works
At our Distribution Center in Battle Creek, MI, we collect fresh and non-perishable food items from individual donors, store donations, purchased items from grants and donors, USDA Trade Mitigation, Michigan Agricultural Surplus System, and local farmers. We then distribute this food to people in our region through a variety of different programs.
Our Programs
Together, we are changing lives. One meal at a time.
Hunger is a community problem that requires a network of people focused on one goal — to end hunger in South Michigan. We are proud to work with over 285 partners and pantries.
In 2019 alone, we were able to provide 7,705,084 meals.
Sources of Food
- Local Donations
- Michigan Food Banks
- Michigan Agricultural Surplus System
- Purchased Food
- Food Drives
- National Donations
- USDA
We are members of Feeding America and the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
Feeding America is the largest domestic hunger relief agency in the United States, supporting more than 200 food banks across the country. The Food Bank Council of Michigan serves all 83 counties in Michigan. Together, we strive to bring support, relief, and hope to those who need it most in our communities.
We believe no one should go hungry.
In 1982, South Michigan Food Bank started with the purpose to provide hunger relief, nutrition education, and hope to those in need.
What started out as a small group of people believing in one mission, has grown into an organization that reaches thousands of people each year. Our hunger-relief network of more than 285 partner agencies operates in eight counties across the state.
Counties We Serve
- Barry
- Branch
- Calhoun
- Hillsdale
- Jackson
- Kalamazoo
- Lenawee
- St. Joseph
In Michigan, the rate of food insecurity is 13.7%.
The childhood rate is even higher at 15.9%. We can do better. Despite the millions of meals we provide across the state each year, there are still those who need us. And we can't do it alone.