Michigan Harvest Gathering
For over 30 years, the Michigan Harvest Gathering has raised awareness and funds to end food insecurity. While our efforts have certainly helped, there is still an extraordinary amount of need, especially among children and seniors.
Unfortunately, that is a reality for 1 in 7 (nearly 300,000) Michigan children, and 5.3% of Michigan seniors (over 127,000 individuals), who live each and every day in the toxicity of food insecurity. Together, we can change this harsh experience for our most vulnerable residents.
You can learn more about the Michigan Harvest Gathering and help by donating at feedmichigan.org.
Beacon of Light Awards
The Food Bank Council of Michigan sees people and organizations throughout the state that inspire others with a commitment to their food bank. These “Beacons of Light” make a lasting impact in their communities and these awards recognize them for this effort. Each year, our seven member food banks each choose an individual or organization to be recognized with this prestigious award.
Below is the list of past Beacon of Light Award winners:
2016
Feeding America West Michigan – Meijer
Food Gatherers – Cultivate
Forgotten Harvest – Open Door Ministry
South Michigan Food Bank – N/A
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan – MDHHS
Greater Lansing Food Bank – Isabella Community Soup Kitchen
Gleaners Community Food Bank – Mike and Adele Acheson
2017
Feeding American West Michigan – Ham Family Farm
Food Gatherers – Ann Arbor YMCA YVC
Forgotten Harvest – Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
South Michigan Food Bank – The Daily Bread of Lenawee
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan – Genesee Intermediate School District
Greater Lansing Food Bank – Delta Dental of Michigan
Gleaners Community Food Bank – Mastronardi Produce
2018
Feeding America West Michigan – Mitten Brewing Company
Food Gatherers – William Sherd - Washtenaw Intermediate School District [WISD]
Forgotten Harvest – Fish and Loaves Food Pantry
South Michigan Food Bank – Local PS Food Mart
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan – Art Luna, Director at the Martus-Luna Food Pantry
Greater Lansing Food Bank – Helping Hands Food Pantry
Gleaners Community Food Bank – Children’s Hospital of Michigan Professional Nurse Council
2019
Feeding America West Michigan – Jimmy Chambers
Food Gatherers – United Way of Washtenaw County
Forgotten Harvest – Matrix Human Services – Zina Crosson
South Michigan Food Bank – Carrie Erlandson, Associate Superintendent of White Pigeon Schools
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan – Stuart Wilson
Greater Lansing Food Bank – Mimi Herberlein
Gleaners Community Food Bank – Katie Fehr, Community Service Director, Fox 2 Detroit
2020
No Beacon of Light Awards given due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021
Feeding America West Michigan – Cortney Boes-Freeland, Milk Means More
Food Gatherers – N/A
Forgotten Harvest – Doug Busch
South Michigan Food Bank – Scott Avery
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan – Kurt Damrow
Greater Lansing Food Bank – Joshua Gillespie
Gleaners Community Food Bank – Ron and Peggy Weingartz
Hunger-Free Michigan Awards
The Food Bank Council of Michigan recognizes individuals and organizations who are committed to solving food insecurity in Michigan with the Hunger-Free Michigan Awards.
Below are the past Hunger-Free Michigan Award winners:
2017
Kroger
2019
United Dairy Industry of Michigan
Representative Roger Victory
2020
Michigan National Guard
Consumers Energy
2021
Dr. Delicia Pruitt, M.D.
Lewis Roubal, MDHHS Chief Deputy Director for Opportunity
Bill & Cynthia Schuette Awards
Bill & Cynthia Schuette started the Michigan Harvest Gathering in 1990 to help fight hunger and solve food insecurity in Michigan. The first Bill & Cynthia Schuette Award was given out in 2020 and it was created to recognize a champion of food security in Michigan.
Below are the past Bill & Cynthia Schuette Award winners:
2020
Michigan Health & Hospital Association