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 who needs it.
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.
Some of the programs we support include:
- After School Packs
- Fresh Food Initiatives
- Holiday Programs
- And many more
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 2018 alone, we were able to provide over 6,594,537 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.
