Hunger- A choice no one should have to make

By Mike Farrell

The Greater Lansing Food Bank has recently taken several significant steps. It has merged with the Mid-Michigan Food Bank and has expanded its outreach to cover seven counties, i.e., Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee, Gratiot, Clare and Isabella. As a result, the Greater Lansing Food Bank is now the area's largest emergency food assistance organization. It continues to be flooded with requests for help as it works to meet the growing need.

Persistent unemployment, bankruptcies, layoffs and other effects of an economy struggling to regain its footing are leading a record number of county residents to seek out food banks and soup kitchens for assistance. Each month, hundreds of low-income residents of all ages in the area cannot afford well-balanced meals for their families and for themselves.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank is a non-profit organization that provides emergency food to individuals and families in need. Many who have been forced to rely on the Food Bank for food never imagined they would need to request assistance, but barren cupboards and empty pockets have forced them to turn to local soup kitchens and food pantries for help.

With unemployment in our state continuing at 8%, the need for food assistance continues to grow and is at near record levels. Many households with two incomes have been reduced to one income, while many one income households have found themselves with no wage earner. Many are forced to go without adequate food and nutrition. Without question, the lack of proper nutrition adversely impacts an individual's health and quality of life.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank provides support to shelters, food pantries, soup kitchens and neighborhood distribution sites and holiday baskets to those in need in the seven area counties. The Food Bank's ability to serve children, families and individuals is directly related to and dependent upon the generosity of area citizens. With its already stretched food supply, the Food Bank will struggle to meet demand for food assistance over the holiday season.

You can make a difference in the lives of hungry people who are our neighbors. Financial contributions are sorely needed. An envelope is enclosed with this issue of the Legal News for use in forwarding a tax deductible charitable contribution to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Please look for it. Please use it. Online donations (through PayPal) may be made at www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org. Your assistance and participation are needed and welcomed.

Thank you in advance for supporting this worthy cause that helps to serve the needs of those in our communities.

Published: Mon, Nov 26, 2012

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