This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
Last year's hike drew 250 from around West Michigan.
Underwriters
Wolverine Worldwide Foundation
Sponsors
David and Carol Van Andel Foundation
F & AM Inc.
Extreme Transportation
PAR Logistics
Gerald R. Ford Middle School students enjoying lunch on the trail, courtesy of The Corner Bar.
Last September, Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank embarked on a quest to send an additional 1 million meals to families in need. The cost of that goal was $238,000. A little less than one year later, the Food Bank has raised more than half that amount.
As the Million Meal March enters its second year, Feeding America West Michigan is asking the community to join them in seeing it through.
The Million Meal March 10K Trail Hike will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Feeding America West Michigan’s Comstock Park headquarters. The Food Bank stands adjacent to the White Pine Trail, where participants will walk just over six miles total.
Last year, 250 people took part, and the Food Bank hopes to double that number this year.
“What better way to spend a fall morning?” said Linda Vanderbaan, fund development manager and the event’s primary organizer.
“The White Pine Trail is gorgeous, just gorgeous. And this time of year, with the leaves starting to turn, it’s going to be spectacular.”
Participants are encouraged to raise $100, enough to send 400 meals to people in need. Every participant will receive a Food Bank water bottle, a wristband and refreshments. Two musical acts will perform throughout the morning, and a trolley will be available at the halfway point for those who prefer to walk five kilometers.
The Million Meal March campaign is intended to help bring greater awareness of hunger issues to the West Michigan community, said Food Bank CEO Ken Estelle.
“We wanted to communicate the fact that, despite the overall economic recovery, thousands are going hungry right in our neighborhoods.”
In the 40 counties Feeding America West Michigan serves, one in five children is food insecure. More than 316,000 people are at risk of hunger in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Estelle hopes the Million Meal March will be an entry point for people to get involved in the local effort to fight hunger.
“This is an easy way for people to join the cause. Everyone in our community has something to contribute. Everyone has something to offer. Together we can defeat hunger.”
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.
