When the Greater Lansing Food Bank started in 1981, group members didn't anticipate they'd still be fund raising to feed the poor in the Lansing area more than 20 years later.
The group recognized the growing problem of those needing emergency food assistance, but assumed it was a result of the slow economic times. They thought the problem would subside after the economy rebounded.
But the problem continues to grow, and one in seven people in the country don't know where their next meal is coming from, according to data from America's Second Harvest, a national organization that conducts a hunger study every few years.
"We thought it was a short-term crisis," said Frank Fear, president of the Greater Lansing Food Bank. "But it's 2004, and here we are."
Members met at Pleasant View Magnet School for Visual and Performing Arts for their Annual Envelope Kickoff Campaign, which uses mail-in envelopes to raise money to feed the hungry.
During the campaign, which began Friday, envelopes will be distributed through the Lansing State Journal, and at local L&L Food Center and Kroger locations.
"In good economic times, the need is great," said Fear, an MSU professor in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. "In bad economic times, the need is even greater."
For every $55 raised, the group can feed a family of four for six days. Twice that amount will feed the same family for two weeks, and $165 will feed three families for six days.
The food bank's goal this year is to raise $700,000 to feed poor families in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties. Last year's goal was $650,000, which the group surpassed.
The money raised is given to local agencies that buy the food and distribute it to food pantries throughout the tri-county area.
Each month, the group assists about 4,400 residents, or nearly 1,600 families. Of those who are hungry, almost half are children, the food bank found.
"With housing and medical costs rising, people are making choices between food, housing and medicine," Fear said. "A lot of times, food is last on the list."
The group also has a separate need-based program for the poor.
The Food Movers program provides about 600,000 pounds of food to the poor each year by taking leftover food from licensed establishments such as local restaurants and transporting it to centers for the needy.
"We know children are too young to work, but this message is loud and clear: Those most in need are children," said Sharon Krinock, executive director of the Greater Lansing Food Bank. "With strong community support, we can fill the need and no child will go hungry in this community."
Lansing State Journal President Michael Kane said the food bank is one of few groups that would like to see itself go bust.
"How many organizations stand up in front of people and say 'We want to go out of business?" Kane said. "What a dream that would be."
