COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – You can now donate nonperishable food items at all Secretary of State offices, including the location in Coldwater, in the 28th Annual Michigan Harvest Gathering food drive.
Donations are being taken at all 131 Secretary of State offices in Michigan. Since 2011, Secretary of State offices have collected more than 30 tons of food donations, including five tons of food in 2017. Financial donations should be made online at www.feedmichigan.org.
According to Phil Knight, Executive Director of Food Bank Council of Michigan, 16 percent of households struggle to put food on the table and 21 percent of children don’t know where their next meal will come from. The organization coordinates the Harvest Gathering program, which supplies the state’s regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.
In 2017, the entire Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign collected 869,000 pounds of food and more than $329,000.
Nonperishable food items with a valid expiration date can be dropped off at any Secretary of State office. Food items especially needed include canned meats, dry beans, soups, beef stew, pasta products, peanut butter and tuna. Other items include baby food or formula, diapers, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
