We appreciate the partnership of our members and county Farm Bureaus to ensure that our neighbors are nourished. If you or your county Farm Bureau are looking to get more involved in local hunger-relief, the MFB Family of Companies is here to support you.
Members and county Farm Bureaus have expressed uncertainty about how best to get involved in this space, including how to make the greatest impact. To help guide your discussions, we’d like to address some of these uncertainties:
Myth #1: Now that some school lunches and breakfasts are free, there isn’t as much of a need for hunger-relief work.
Universal school meals are not guaranteed. For the past two school years, Michigan has offered free breakfast and lunch to all students, however this program is not a permanent fixture in the state budget. Its inclusion in the 2026 budget remains uncertain. Several schools in the area no longer offer universal lunch.
Food insecurity extends beyond school hours. Children facing food insecurity often lack access to quality meals during evenings, weekends, and school breaks. School meals alone cannot fully address the broader issue.
Food insecurity affects entire households. Where children are food insecure, their families often are too. Findings from the Feeding MI Families research study reveal that parents frequently sacrifice their own meals to ensure their children eat. Supporting household food security is essential for the well-being of children.
Childhood food insecurity is still rising. Data shows childhood food insecurity in Michigan has continued to increase annually since 2021, underscoring the need for sustained and expanded support beyond school-based programs.
Myth #2: My county has extremely limited funds. I don’t know if it’s worth it to donate.
Any funds you’re able to contribute makes a difference. Depending on where you are in the state, just $1 can be repurposed into three to five meals for neighbors in need.
Additionally, if your county Farm Bureau contributes to a hunger-relief program or organization, the Agent Charitable Fund can match it with a Double-Up Donation so your dollars go twice as far! Click here to check out recent ACF-supported programs.
If you don’t have the funds but still want to get involved, consider hosting a food drive or organizing a group volunteer shift with a local food bank. Reach out to your county board, your local agents or MFB team members Audrey Carey or Persis Sopariwala if you’re looking for a food bank or club connection.
Myth #3: Donating food product could lead to more waste if the food bank doesn’t need my items.
Not necessarily! Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask.
The first step is to find a food bank, club or rescue in your community and ask them directly if their neighbors can use your commodities. If you anticipate logistical challenges with picking, transporting, and/or storing commodities for donation, let the food bank, club or rescue know — they might be able to help.
Case in point: Check out Northwest Michigan member Isaiah Wunsch in action. In 2023, he coordinated a large commodity distribution of apples to Goodwill Northern Michigan Food Rescue to support neighbors in need. Thank you for helping feed our neighbors, Isaiah!
And don’t forget: Your contributions of time, funds and commodities can count toward your county Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All totals! The district contributing the most to fight hunger — determined by pounds of food, volunteer hours and dollars — is recognized at the state level and given $1,000 to distribute to a hunger-relief organization of their choice. For more information about Harvest for All, contact MFB Young Farmer Programs and Communications Specialist Megan Sprague.
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