Michigan Association of United Ways Launches Second Annual ‘Summer Stock Up’
In partnership with Kellogg Company, local United Ways come together for two-week statewide drive to restock the shelves of Michigan’s food banks and pantries
LANSING, Mich., June 13, 2022 - The Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) and Kellogg Company announced today that United Ways across the state will come together for the 2nd annual Summer Stock Up. The statewide campaign, taking place June 13-24, is intended to help restock the shelves of Michigan’s food banks and pantries and ensure that Michiganders have access to nutritious food all summer long. More details can be found at www.summerstockup.org.
At least one in eight Michiganders face food insecurity every day. This need is exacerbated when schools let out for the summer, with Michigan food banks seeing a 20% increase in visits by families during the summer months. This leaves low-income, hard-working ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - families with limited options during this time of year.
“As we continue to support the needs of ALICE families across Michigan, Summer Stock Up is just one of many initiatives that addresses the critical need to help ensure our communities have access to fresh, healthy food all summer long,” said Mike Larson, President and CEO of the Michigan Association of United Ways. “With the current rising costs of food today, more Michigan families will need the support of their local food banks and pantries – and based on the success of last year’s program, Summer Stock Up has proven to make an incredible impact.”
Addressing food insecurities and supporting communities is at the heart of MAUW’s work to support Michigan’s ALICE population. According to the 2021 ALICE Report, the cost of food represented more than 20% of an ALICE family’s monthly budget – and with the cost of rising food many hard-working households will struggle to afford the essentials. In fact, according to the recently released ALICE in Focus: Children Research Brief, 41% of Michigan’s low-income families reported that their children were not eating enough because they couldn’t afford food.
“People cannot reach their full potential if they’re hungry. Kellogg’s® Better Days is our promise to advance sustainable and equitable access to food, including feeding 375 million people in need by the end of 2030,” said Stephanie Slingerland, Senior Director, Philanthropy and Global Impact at Kellogg Company. “We are proud to stand alongside United Way in a partnership that is focused on our aligned values and creating a positive impact in our communities.”
The 2021 inaugural Summer Stock Up event resulted in great success, raising over $63,000 and collecting more than 46,000 pounds of food for 220 pantries. While the donation of food is always welcome, monetary donations provide food banks and pantries greater flexibility, allowing these organizations to purchase food supplies as needed and offering greater control over staffing requirements.
Join Kellogg Company and Michigan Association of United Ways in supporting children and families in crisis this summer by making a monetary or food donation to combat food insecurity. Visit www.summerstockup.org.
About the Michigan Association of United Ways
Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) is a partner in developing powerful responses to current and emerging issues in local communities. The State Association provides leadership in policy influence and capacity building to affect positive change. MAUW serves approximately 35 local United Ways that represent the largest network of non-governmental service providers and service funders in Michigan, collectively raising and distributing significant resources to support local health and human service organizations.
About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), our vision is a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled. We are creating better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. Our beloved brands include Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Special K®, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats®, Kashi®, RXBAR®, MorningStar Farms® and more. Net sales in 2021 were nearly $14.2 billion, comprised principally of snacks as well as convenience foods like cereal, frozen foods, and noodles. As part of our Kellogg’s® Better Days ESG strategy, we’re addressing the interconnected issues of wellbeing, climate and food security, creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. Visit www.KelloggCompany.com.
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