Montcalm Community College (MCC), in collaboration with the United Way of Greater Central Michigan, has successfully raised $2,500 to support local food pantries, significantly enhancing its impact compared to previous years. This initiative was part of the annual Hunger Games fundraiser, where the college’s men’s and women’s basketball teams mobilized community support on January 24, 2024.
During the event, representatives from MCC, United Way, and local food pantries convened on MCC’s Sidney campus on February 3 to distribute checks of $500 each to five food pantries. The participating organizations included Have Mercy, Hope’s Food Pantry, Carson City Food Bank, M-46 Tabernacle Family Ministry Food Bank, and St. Joseph’s Food Pantry.
Record-Breaking Meal Contributions
The Hunger Games event yielded a remarkable total of 14,598 meals for local families, a significant increase from the 5,126 meals collected in the previous year. This impressive outcome was achieved through both monetary contributions and food donations. Of the total raised, $1,500 came directly from the event, with the United Way matching the first $1,000 in donations, bringing the total to $2,500. This partnership exemplifies a community committed to addressing food insecurity and supporting those in need.
Annie Sanders, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Central Michigan, emphasized the importance of the collaboration. “We care so much about food insecurity in our community, as well, so it just felt like the perfect partnership,” Sanders stated. She added that the United Way’s involvement was a natural extension of their mission, and they were eager to maximize the impact of the fundraiser.
Community Impact and Future Goals
Hunter Redman, MCC Athletic Director, expressed gratitude for the partnership with United Way. He noted the seamless coordination between the two organizations, highlighting that the college focused on organizing the event while the United Way handled the logistics of distributing the funds. “It means a lot; this is just a little bit of an opportunity for us to give back,” Redman remarked.
The financial support from the Hunger Games fundraiser is set to greatly benefit the local food pantries. Susanne Le Feve, Food Manager at Have Mercy, explained that the funding will provide essential resources, allowing them to serve approximately 200 families for an entire month. “We rely on donations only, that’s all we operate with, and we’ve been pretty busy,” she noted.
The importance of this initiative is underscored by the challenges faced by local communities. Gayle Stull, Chairperson at Hope’s Food Pantry, highlighted the pressing need for assistance, particularly among homeless families in the Stanton area. “A lot of people don’t realize that kids in our community are going hungry,” Stull said. She expressed gratitude for the donations, stating, “It’ll make a big impact.”
In conclusion, the collaboration between Montcalm Community College and the United Way of Greater Central Michigan not only highlights the power of community engagement but also sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity. As Sanders aptly stated, “When we work together, we can make a bigger impact in our community.”
