While we focused on food and wellness efforts during our annual team volunteer day, we were enthusiastic about continuing to make a difference in this focus area. Knowing that our members are also concerned about the wellbeing of Michigan communities, we’re excited to work together during our Meals for Michigan initiative. To help Michiganders living with hunger, we’re hosting a virtual food drive through the Lake Trust Foundation. Funds that are raised will be distributed to food pantries throughout the state to help ease food insecurity.
Your help is needed and greatly appreciated. Together, we have the power to make a difference.
Our Meals For Michigan program ended on December 31, 2021 and this article was recently updated. Thanks to overwhelming support in the community, we raised enough funds to provide 304,770 meals for those in need!
With changes to the school year and the economy, the issue of food insecurity is becoming more prevalent for families in need. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, about 10% of adults reported that their household sometimes or often didn’t have enough to eat in August 2020.1 For comparison, only 3.7% of adults made this statement in the 12 months before COVID-19. In Michigan, we’re seeing this issue more acutely as families have struggled with steady employment.
Instead of seeking donations of packaged goods, our main focus will be collecting funds for the Foundation to distribute to nonprofits throughout the state. This way, the Foundation will work with its food bank partners to determine the best ways to stretch dollars as far as possible. According to our data, a $10 donation can provide 30 meals to an individual in need. 2
Could you skip your movie streaming subscription for one month to feed someone for thirty days?
By harnessing the power in all of us, we can support Michigan families in a time when our support is needed now more than ever. Even one dollar can feed someone for a day.
Gifts to the Lake Trust Foundation help make a direct impact in Michigan communities. To make a contribution, you can donate online to the Lake Trust Foundation.3 You can also send a check or money order to Lake Trust Foundation, 4605 S Old US Highway 23, Brighton, MI 48114.3
We understand that this year has been challenging for many people. If you’re not able to give a donation, you can still get involved and help us raise funds. Like or follow Lake Trust on Facebook4, Twitter4, or Instagram4, and share our posts with your friends and family. The more people who get involved, the bigger impact we can make together. Let’s feed the need in Michigan. Let’s make sure that no one has to worry about their next meal.
1Tracking the COVID-19 Recession’s Effects on Food, Housing, and Employment Hardships. (2020, October 23). Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Retrieved from https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/tracking-the-covid-19-recessions-effects-on-food-housing-and
2Gleaner’s Community Food Bank. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.gcfb.org/about-us/
3The Lake Trust Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization EIN: 45-5332078. Donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
4Third party website. Lake Trust Credit Union is not responsible for the content, availability, security or compliance of any linked third-party websites. In addition, the site's privacy policies may differ from those of Lake Trust.