Mid-Michigan Dining

Got this press release from the Greater Lansing Food Bank….

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Greater Lansing Food Bank raised $168,000 to help feed the area’s hungry at its annual “Empty Plate Dinner & Auction” Thursday May 8, 2008.

“We met our goal thanks to the generosity and participation of the events guests, sponsors, and vendors,” said Peter Pratt, Greater Lansing Food Bank chairman. “This money will help the Greater Lansing Food Bank purchase high-demand foods not available through donations, support innovative programs to rescue and grow nutritious foods, and provide nutrition education and self-help initiatives.”

Over 500 guests savored gourmet delights by some of the area’s top chefs and received a commemorative “empty plate” decorated by local school children. In addition, they bid on one-of-a-kind collector plates — hand painted by artists and celebrities — paired with dinner, hotel, gift certificate and service prize packages.

“The Greater Lansing Food Bank was formed by our community, to serve our community, and all donations stay in our community,” Pratt said. “Even though the auction is closed, I urge all local businesses and residents to continue helping us provide food for the growing number of hungry neighbors in our area.”

GLFB supports a network of 58 community kitchens, shelters, and food pantries in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties. In 2007 alone, the network served 1.2 million meals to children, seniors, working families and those on a fixed income. Unfortunately, it is still only able to reach about half of those in need — and the need is growing:

• The number of Ingham County residents receiving food stamps increased nearly 50 percent in the last four years — many use the food bank to avoid missing meals at home

• As many as 65 percent of Lansing students qualify for free or reduced breakfast and lunch

• Eaton and Clinton county populations are increasing and Lansing/East Lansing area incomes are decreasing

• Higher unemployment, and the rising cost of food and transportation are stretching everyone’s resources to the limit

The Greater Lansing Food Bank is a non-profit organization established in 1981. Its mission is to raise money, food and in-kind contributions for Lansing area emergency food needs; coordinate and support the food pantries in the area; promote, encourage and emphasize self-help programs toward the goal of self-sufficiency; and educate the community on hunger issues. It is the area’s leading source of food for those who need it most.