Michigan Food Pantries Struggle to Keep Up With Demand

"A record number of Michiganders are turning to public agencies, private organizations and religious institutions for help. Those agencies are being fueled by staff and volunteer support, government funds and donations.

But as needs increase, the fuel is running low.

Calls for assistance to the United Way of Southeastern Michigan's 211 hot line are expected to top 408,000 by the end of this year, surpassing last year's record of 393,439, according to the most recent statistics from its downtown Detroit office.

"The No. 1 request is for gas bill payment, followed closely by food, and third is rent payment assistance," said Kristen Bolds, operations manager for 211.

Unemployment is the biggest driver of need, said Gerry Brisson, a vice president for Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan."

Read more at the Detroit Free Press

www.freep.com/article/20100811/NEWS05/8110335/1318/Food-pantries-scramble-to-keep-up-with-demand#ixzz0wHr50LnG