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SOS offices encouraging online donations as part of annual Harvest Gathering campaign

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that due to changes in this year’s Harvest Gathering campaign, all donations will be made virtually at www.FeedMichigan.org.

“As we celebrate 21 years of participation in this campaign, we’re adapting to the pandemic alongside food banks and other resources,” Benson said. “Instead of having you drop off food items at our branches, we encourage you to donate online and mention our offices when you make your donation. Even as we adjust to this new normal, donors are still able to put food on the table for their neighbors during a time of need.”

Due to COVID-19, many food banks are not accepting food donations this year, so the Food Bank Council of Michigan moved the Harvest Gathering campaign to a virtual-only giving opportunity. Residents can include a specific Secretary of State branch office name or business area if they would like that team to receive credit for their donation. When customers donate funds, they can also indicate what foods they would like to buy with those donations, or they can provide a donation to be used as needed.

Every $1 donated helps provide five meals for Michigan families. Before the pandemic, the food bank network distributed 2.6 million pounds of food each week. Since March, that average has increased to 4.5 million pounds of food a week, largely due to the impacts of COVID-19. On top of that, the Food Bank Council anticipates the need to increase another 15 percent heading into this fall and winter.

The campaign begins today and runs through Wednesday, Nov. 25. For more information visit www.FeedMichigan.org.