The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency is now taking applications for its tenth annual Holiday Food Sharing Program, providing food baskets to families in need.
The agency’s Yvonne Vidt tells us this is the second year they’ll be teaming up with Whirlpool and the Benton Harbor Meijer store to give out 400 baskets.
“Both Whirlpool and Meijer contribute to purchasing food and a turkey,” Vidt said. “And this year we’re going to have also dairy products, so we’re going to have a box of canned items, probably two or three different meats, and then the turkey.”
The food baskets will be distributed drive thru-style on December 19. Vidt says families across Benton Harbor, Benton Township, and St. Joseph qualify to receive the support, something that’s certainly needed each year.
“It’s quite overwhelming sometimes. And you can tell there’s a need, because we’re probably going to start about 2 o‘clock, and they’re probably going to be lining up — and this is no exaggeration — seven in the morning.”
Applications for the Holiday Food Sharing Program can be made at the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency office in Benton Harbor between now and December 14.
Vidt says not only do Whirlpool and Meijer support the donations, but they’ll also provide volunteers to load the baskets into the trunks of recipients. She calls the Holiday Food Sharing Program a true group effort to make the holidays merrier for all.
