Donate food Nov. 24-26, joining fee waived at Community Center, North-End Fitness Center
MIDLAND, MI – Too often, it’s a trade-off between paying bills and putting food on the table.
Food insecurity – the lack of enough food, at times, for a healthy lifestyle – now affects nearly 12 percent of all Midland County residents.
“We struggle nearly every day to make ends meet,” said Leo Strike of Mills Township, who has been unable to work since 2011 after his back was fractured in three places.
But luckily for Strike and his family, there’s Greater Midland.
Food pantries at Greater Midland’s North Family Center and Coleman Family Center serve more than 400 people annually – including the Strike family.
“We’re so very grateful for the food pantry at North Family Center for things like cereal or bread or canned foods. Everyone is always so kind,” said Leo’s wife, Heather, who is also disabled with complications from epilepsy.
The Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network supports eight food pantries, including the two locations at North and Coleman family centers. The cooperative provides food and supplies to people in Midland County who have emergency needs and are living near or below the Federal poverty level.
Terrah Johnson, executive director of Greater Midland North Family Center and Coleman Family Center, said the food pantries have become a lifeline for many families.
“People from all walks of life come through our doors. Thanks to the generous community we live in, we’re able to provide much-needed resources to so many people,” Johnson said.
And more help is on the way.
A food drive is now underway at Greater Midland’s Community Center and North-End Fitness Center locations through the Thanksgiving weekend. In addition, anyone who brings in a non-perishable food item Nov. 24-26 will have their $99 Greater Midland membership joining fee waived during a Black Friday Special.
It’s all part of Greater Midland’s mission to ensure all residents of Midland County are healthy, engaged, stable and thriving.
-- Click to learn more about Greater Midland North Family Center.
