(WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is organizing a virtual food drive for seniors.
The Aging and Adult Services Agency and the Food Bank Council of Michigan is raising money to provide food boxes to seniors who are staying home to protect themselves from COVID-19.
MDHHS and the Food Bank Council are asking Michigan residents to donate in order to buy food for the project.
One box is filled with 33 food items that provide for 22 meals. Each box contains breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes for seniors who are food insecure.
MDHHS says a $28 donation pays for an entire box of food, including chunk white canned chicken, green beans, peanut butter and low-sodium diced tomatoes.
Boxes are distributed from local food banks through Area Agencies on Aging and delivered by volunteers.
“Michigan’s aging adult population is especially vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, director of the Aging and Adult Services Aging. “It’s critical that seniors stay home, but they also need healthy food. That’s why the virtual food drive is so important.”
MDHHS says the Michigan National Guard is packing the first 10,000 boxes at Gleaners' Community Food Bank's warehouse in Pontiac.
“The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented additional barriers to food access,” says Dr. Dawn Opel, director of research and strategic initiatives for the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “This program is an example of how we are creating innovative food distribution models to bring food to people where they are—to alleviate household food insecurity and to prevent the spread of the virus for those without transportation and other supports.”
To donate, click here.
Seniors who need extra support can sign up for assistance here.
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