What is a Food Bank?
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, are a few examples of the Food Bank's partners. The Food Bank
procures food from surpluses in the grocery industry. For example, if Kellogg's
produces more Rice Krispies than it sells, 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. Many donations come to the Food Bank
because of shifts in market forces. Misprints, damaged freight, 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 17.8 million pounds of food through a network
of more than 400 partner agencies in 22 counties. All Food Bank partner agencies
are required to distribute food without charges or fees, to needy clients. The
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan began in 1981 as a small grassroots community organization serving
agencies in Genesee County, Michigan.
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.
Due to the ever
increasing need for our services, the Food Bank has grown to serve more
than 400 agencies in eastern Michigan. For a detailed history click
here.