News

Feast or famine for food banks at Thanksgiving

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By KAREN HOPPER USHER
Capital News Service
LANSING — In Comstock Park near Grand Rapids, the hunger organization Feeding America West Michigan is doing something it’s never done before for Thanksgiving. The group is opening its warehouses directly to the public instead of only to hunger organizations like soup kitchens. The reason is that the group is having its fourth record year in a row of food donations, said Andrew Steiner, the media coordinator for the organization. That means its warehouse is full. The full house is partially due to a strong harvest, he said, and partially due to the organization’s relationships with food producers.

Business & Economy

Farmers markets stretch food dollars for poor

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By ALEX MITCHELL
Capital News Service
LANSING—Michigan residents on food assistance are doubling their purchasing power at farmers markets in a program that encourages healthier eating while supporting farmers. The growing program is so successful that state officials expect it to expand even more next year. “For the first time, families are thinking of where the food is coming from and canning and freezing some food for the winter,” said Rachel Chadderdon, Double Up Food Bucks program manager. The program provides more healthy food to a state that is tenth in the nation in obesity. The rate among Michigan adults is 31 percent.