Food banks in West Michigan say they are facing an unprecedented challenge as demand for charitable food surges while supply declines.
The UICA Garage in downtown Grand Rapids is lit orange this week as part of a partnership between the city and Feeding America West Michigan to mark Hunger Action Month.
According to Feeding America West Michigan, an additional 50,000 people in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are expected to become food insecure over the next two years. Currently, 1 in 7 residents in those regions are making difficult decisions between having enough food and covering other basic living expenses. Demand for assistance has risen 70% compared to five years ago, the organization said, while federal support is being reduced.
“We see how prices have gone up the last few years, as has everything else. So it’s not hard to imagine how people can suddenly be in a tough spot where they don’t have enough to eat,” said Anne Hamming, communications and marketing manager at Feeding America West Michigan…