In Michigan, approximately 1.3 million people are hungry, making the food insecurity rate 13.6% according to data from feedingamerica.org. The most vulnerable population facing food scarcity is children, with 21% not knowing where their next meal will come from, according to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. These statistics are staggering, and the circumstances have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies recognizes that food insecurity affects numerous Michigan families -- including our members -- and is working to address this need in our local communities. The Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Agent Charitable Fund (ACF) is a donor-designated fund through the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture whose mission is to end hunger in Michigan. Last year, the fund gave more than $300,000 in grants and donations to support our fellow Michiganders.
Roosevelt Elementary School in Zeeland was the recipient of one of these grants, totaling $2,500 (pictured above). The grant provided snacks in classrooms for students who came to school without food. The district has about 60% of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, showing that the need for the grant was great.
Nolan Kamer, Farm Bureau Insurance agent and ACF contributor, nominated the school to receive the grant last fall. He also presented the grant on behalf of the ACF. 'It's very important to me to support those who need it in my community,' Nolan said. 'I am thankful that I have the opportunity to do so through the Agent Charitable Fund.'
According to Jazmyn, a fifth grader at Roosevelt Elementary, the snacks were delicious and made her have a better day. Another student named Lucy wrote that 'the snacks filled their buckets.'
These grants, along with donations to the seven regional food banks through the Million Meals Challenge and Fill the Trailer fundraisers, are only possible because of the generosity of ACF donors. Contributions from agents, members and insureds allow the ACF to continue to fight food insecurity and aided the fund in growing to more than $1 million in donations and pledges last year. If you want to contribute to the ACF, visit endhungerinmichigan.org to donate. You can also register for upcoming events like our golf outing on May 5 and enter our reverse raffle for the chance to win $5,000 for yourself and a $10,000 donation to the Michigan-based hunger-fighting nonprofit of your choice. Lastly, learn about the grant opportunities available for schools and community organizations.