November 4, 2003 — Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Mid-Michigan Red Cross are joining forces with Michigan Harvest Gathering to "tackle hunger" in Michigan. These institutions are encouraging people to bring canned food and other non-perishable food to the November 22 MSU/Penn State football game.
Food will be collected outside Spartan Stadium before and during the game. (Game time is to be announced). A large Meijer, Inc. semi-truck will be parked right outside Gate Six at Spartan Stadium along with a Michigan Harvest Gathering billboard and an oversized inflated figure of Uncle Sam. Volunteers from the Mid-Michigan Red Cross among others will be on hand to accept the food and put it in the truck. Food gathered for Michigan Harvest Gathering is distributed to food banks, soup kitchens, and food pantries throughout the area. Those not bringing food may also make donations by cash or check.
"We're very grateful to Michigan State University for allowing us to use the occasion of a very exciting game and this venue near the Stadium," says Dan Wyant, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. "MSU has been announcing this upcoming food drive to 'tackle hunger' at all their athletic events," says Dave Karr, director of the Mid-Michigan Red Cross. The November 22 football game is the Spartans' last for the season and is already sold out.
Since 1991, the Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign has provided food and funds for hungry families in Michigan who needed help through a tough situation. During these past years, Michigan Harvest Gathering has raised more than $3.7 million and more than 5.5 million pounds of food. For further information on the Michigan Harvest Gathering, go to www.feedmichigan.org or call Saralee Howard, Michigan Department of Agriculture, at (517) 241-2669.
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