In 2010, Consumers Energy will make the following grants from its donor-advised fund to support basic needs programs: * $250,000 to Michigan Association of United Ways - Michigan Benefits Access Initiative to help Michigan families gain access to nearly 30 different federal benefits and tax credits * $100,000 to Michigan Association of United Ways - Michigan 211 to support statewide coverage of the 211 system * $100,000 for a special one-month matching program for CMS Energy employees who contribute to a nonprofit organization providing food or shelter to Michigan residents * $50,000 to the Food Bank Council of Michigan for fresh food distribution through its member food banks.
Last year, almost 23,000 pounds of venison was provided to local charities by hunters participating in the program through licensed venison processors "On a local level our food banks say they are seeing up to a 40 percent increase in the need for food because of the economy," said Jane Marshall of the Food Bank Council of Michigan Last year, almost 23,000 pounds of venison was provided to local charities by hunters participating in the program through licensed venison processors.
Children and the elderly make over 50% of the people who receive food from food banks," said Jane Marshall, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
Representing the MHA and the Michigan Association of Hospital Auxiliaries, MAHA Vice President/Education Robert Kinsey joined First Gentleman Dan Mulhern, Judge Bill and Cynthia Schuette, and Food Bank Council of Michigan Executive Director Jane Marshall to kick off the campaign to gather and distribute food to the needy.
This year's food- and fund-raising campaign to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan and its 12 regional food banks officially began yesterday at a news conference at the state Capitol.
CONTACT: Jane Marshall, Executive Director, Food Bank Council of Michigan, +1-517-485-1202; Roger Martin or Andy Corner of Rossman Martin & Associates, +1-517-487-9320, for Food Bank Council of Michigan.
The Harvest Gathering has been a major source of resources to Michigan food banks over the past 10 years," said Kozlowski who serves as chair of the Food Bank Council of Michigan Board of Trustees.
