The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan serves as a common solicitor, storehouse and distributor of food on behalf of its Partner Agencies which are non-profit, charitable organizations serving those in need.   The Red Cross, Salvation Army, church pantries, and etc... are a few examples of the Food Bank's partners.  

The Food Bank gets its food from surpluses in the grocery industry.  For example, if Kellogg's makes more Rice Krispies than it can sell, then somewhere there is a warehouse full of cereal with a date stamped on each box.  When that date passes...the food is still good to eat, but can not be sold.  A lot of donations come to the Food Bank because of shifts in market forces, over production, food drives, and other efforts cause food to be donated to the Food Bank.

Once food arrives at the Food Bank, it is sorted, inspected and made available for charities to take and distribute to those in need.  In 2007, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan distributed over 17.5 million pounds of food through a network of more than 400 agencies in 22 counties.  All Food Bank partner agencies are required to distribute food free of charge to needy clients. 

Celebrating 25 Years of Service

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan started in 1981 as a small grassroots community organization serving agencies in Genesee County, Michigan. Because of the ever increasing need for our services, the Food Bank has grown to serve more than 400 agencies in 22 Eastern Michigan counties. History in more detail...

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is one of six food banks in the state who also make up the Food Bank Council of Michigan.