October 11, 2013
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder, members of the Detroit Young Professionals and other volunteers will help fight hunger by repackaging surplus food Saturday at the Forgotten Harvest facility in Oak Park.
“This is a great opportunity for people to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of those in need,” Snyder said. “I encourage all Michiganders to look for opportunities to volunteer and help strengthen their communities. All across Michigan, volunteers are helping their neighbors and improving the quality of life in our state. We can accomplish wonderful things by working together.”
Forgotten Harvest is an Oak Park-based organization that helps rescue surplus healthy, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste, from hundreds of approved sources in the area. Volunteers work to repackage the donated items and deliver the food free-of-charge to more than 260 metro Detroit food providers, such as food pantries and homeless shelters.
The event is part of the Michigan Ambassador Project, which encourages citizens to volunteer to “Do Something!” in their communities. The program helps Michiganders get connected to volunteer opportunities, share their stories of volunteerism or successes in the state, and pledge to get others involved.
Through the DoSomethingMichigan.com website, participants can get information on various volunteer opportunities. Users also may text “ACTION” to 25827 or call 1-855-440-6424 to get involved.
“Do Something Michigan is a great way to get involved in helping make Michigan the comeback state in the nation,” Snyder said. “Everyone can make a difference in their community and be an ambassador for our state, and this is a great opportunity to take part. Let’s do something!”
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