Thelma Castillo, President & CEO of the Blue Water Chamber of Commerce, speaks with Heather Bearden, Regional Outreach Coordinator for Food Bank of Eastern Michigan about how the Food Bank is essential to the 22 counties throughout Michigan they provide for.
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is one of seven food banks located within the state. They are also associated with Feeding America, a campaign to end hunger. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan’s volume has increased, as unemployment rates peaked to 22.7% in April of 2020, the highest ever for Michigan since 1976. As unemployment increased, food insecurity ratings have also climbed.
Since 1981, The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has provided their services to over 300,000 people annually. They work with Michigan farmers and partnering businesses to help end hunger. Each year, they distribute over 29 million pounds of food like meat and protein, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, including 24 types of Michigan grown produce.
For more information about the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan please visit their website, fbem.org
