To minimize residents' exposure to COVID-19, the state of Michigan issued an order to close schools, restaurants and other establishments deemed nonessential, leaving several families struggling to make ends meet. 

To bridge the food gap during this time, the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies — Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan, Michigan Farm Bureau and the Agent Charitable Fund — announced the launch of a statewide fundraiser, the Million Meal Challenge.

The Agent Charitable Fund and Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan will donate $50,000 during the Million Meal Challenge and will match up to $50,000 in additional donations from members, clients and supporters. With every dollar raised equating to six meals, the goal is to collectively donate 1 million meals to the seven regional food banks in Michigan, benefiting all 83 counties.

“Right now, it is ever more important for our state to come together,” says Don Simon, CEO, Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan. “As we all face this pandemic, helping to provide Michigan children and families with healthy meals during this trying time is a great way for us to do just that. The entire Farm Bureau family is proud to sponsor this challenge so that together, with our partners and community members, we can provide 1 million meals.”

The fundraiser will engage every person who is part of the Michigan Farm Bureau family — agents, members, staff and insureds — to come together and support each other through uncertain times.

“The Agent Charitable Fund was created to help people in need,” says Merrick Maris, Farm Bureau Insurance agent and Agent Charitable Fund committee chair. “Our agents came together and created this fund in 2018 because we wanted to support the greater Michigan community, specifically children. This challenge allows us to ensure our kids and families who are in need are provided for during this time of crisis.”

The Agent Charitable Fund, whose mission is to end hunger in Michigan, is a donor-designated fund administered through the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture. The Michigan Foundation for Agriculture, a 501(c)(3) governed by Michigan Farm Bureau's board of directors, positively contributes to the future of Michigan agriculture through leadership and educational programming.

Through grant programs and donations, Farm Bureau agents, clients and partners provide food and educational programs to Michigan residents struggling with hunger and aid the more than 3,000 hunger-relief agencies throughout the state.

To donate to the Million Meal Challenge, visit justgiving.com.

Source: Michigan Farm Bureau, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.