The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan was founded in 1981 as a grassroots community organization serving agencies in Genesee County. Since, due to increasing need for our services around the state, the Food Bank has grown to serve a network of more than 700 Hunger Relief Partners, including partner agencies, schools, and other community organizations. Once food arrives at the Food Bank, it is sorted, inspected, and made available to partner agencies such as churches, soup kitchens, and food pantries to distribute to those in need. All Food Bank partner agencies are required to distribute food, without charges or fees, to needy clients. The Food Bank also partners with schools who distribute food through our Backpack Program and School Pantry Program and provides meals during our Summer Feeding Program. The Food Bank serves more than 330,000 families through our partner agencies per year and distributes more than 28 million pounds of food, including 11 million pounds of fresh produce annually. Through our network of partners that includes retail grocery chains and farmers, the Food Bank is able to maximize monetary donations. As little as $1 can provide up to six meals for people in need. To donate, visit www.fbem.org. The Food Bank offers volunteer opportunities in our Hunger Solution Center Monday-Saturday for individuals or groups. In one hour, one volunteer can sort enough food to feed 335 people! For information about volunteering, visit www.fbem.org or contact (810) 396-0210.