In 2020, almost 18,000 individuals in Livingston County did not know where their next meal was coming from – that is over 9% of the county’s population. A more staggering fact is that 3,000 children under the age of 18 in Livingston County are going to bed with empty or near empty bellies daily.
The Livingston County Hunger Council has established the Food Resource Committee to help families with food needs caused specifically by shortages, cost increases, ihe number of families in need, and changing government-sponsored relief programs. For example, the program to provide free school meals for all kids has ended when the 2022-2023 school year began.
Let’s put all of this into perspective: all of us are feeling the pinch at the pump and at the grocery store. Now, imagine for a minute that you (or your family) is on a fixed income, has health issues, and have recently lost your job — and are thus classified as one of the “working poor.”
The Livingston County Hunger Council is calling on ALL of our community organizations, fellow citizens, and partner agencies to help, over and above, what current agencies are already contributing. You can help us close this gap by donating food, by making a monetary donation, and by volunteering your time.
Now imagine again: with your generosity and help, more families, seniors and children will go to bed at night with a full tummy, and sleep with the confidence that when they awake, breakfast awaits them.
HOW TO DONATE? Simply scan this QR code to visit our Virtual Food Drive. The Virtual Food Drive will continue through November to help offset increasing costs of food for free holiday meals.
For community members seeking additional background information about the Livingston County Hunger Council, visit the Human Services Collaborative Body’s website. Additional information can be found in these fact sheets: Hunger in Livingston County Fact Sheet, and Financial Stability Fact Sheet.
To obtain more information, contact Amy Johnston at (810) 772-4827 or at ajohnston@cmhliv.org.
