As a participant in the 2006 “Michigan Harvest Gathering”, Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center proved to be a true champion in the fight against hunger in the Battle Creek area. Southwest held a food drive this past fall, joining about 100 other Michigan health care organizations that participated in the annual campaign to collect food and funds for the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) and its’ member food banks across the state. Southwest’s 130 employees donated 846 pounds of groceries and $734 to donate to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan for distribution to residents in Calhoun County.
“As Michigan’s economy continues to struggle, it’s essential that community organizations help provide nutritious meals for those who are finding it difficult to make ends meet”, says President & CEO of Southwest, Diane Giannunzio.
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) and its members have served as the primary sponsor of the Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign since 1998. In 2006, the state’s health care community donated nearly 172,000 pounds of groceries and more than $56,000 to the endeavor. When the MHA’s efforts are added to those of several large corporations, local agencies, state employees and numerous individuals, the statewide 2006 Michigan harvest Gathering campaign raised more than 330,000 pounds of groceries and nearly $290,000. Funds gathered during the campaign were given to the FBCM food bank network to purchase perishable goods and help cover the cost of transporting these items to more than 2,500 local shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens.
“Making food available for needy families is a natural part of our role as a health care provider. By providing food assistance, we can help residents avoid the many detrimental effects that malnutrition can produce”, said Kathy Wanner, co-coordinator of Southwest’s campaign along with Rebecca Marteen.