Each year, over one million people in Michigan will need to use the services offered by a food bank. While we continue to strive for a hunger-free Michigan, there is still much work to be done.

The face of hunger in Michigan includes working families who must choose between paying rent and heating their homes or buying food. It includes children growing and developing without adequate nutrition, and seniors choosing between using their money for medication or food. Those who rely on food banks include individuals and families facing health issues or emergencies, struggling to make ends meet.

Fortunately, through the Michigan Harvest Gathering 2006 State Employees' Campaign, we have the opportunity to make a difference.

This fall marks the 16th year of the Michigan Harvest Gathering, and state employees have been a major partner in this food and fund drive each year. Food and funds collected through the Michigan Harvest Gathering benefit the Food Bank Council of Michigan's member food banks and their more than 2,500 community agencies throughout Michigan. All food donations go to local food banks and all funds are directly used to purchase food items and pay for their transport.

This year's state employees' campaign begins October 9 and runs through October 24. Boxes for collecting non-perishable food items and pledge cards for tax-deductible monetary donations will be available in your workplace. Representatives within each agency have planned fun and creative activities to help increase donations. This year, we hope to surpass last year's generous state employee donations of 145,371 pounds of food and $50,348.00.

I hope you will consider participating in food and fundraising activities in your department and support this cause to eliminate hunger in our state. Together we can make a difference!