Levin Tours Local Foodbank, Calls for Assistance for Those in Need

U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak, heard firsthand Friday from providers of food assistance in Macomb County about the challenges they are facing as the unemployed, and under-employed, in Macomb County seek help.

The Macomb Food Program reports in the past decade the number of people requiring food assistance has tripled, and Gleaners Community Food Bank has nearly doubled the amount of food sent to Macomb in the past two years. All this has happened while there have been cuts in funding from the federal government and a drop in donations.

The federal emergency food and shelter program funding to Macomb County has has been cut by 50 percent; the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive donated 60,000 pounds less food to Macomb County; and the upcoming federal budget is calling for additional cuts to food stamps and food assistance programs.

Providers were also concerned about the possibility that Congress would not extend unemployment benefits, which are set to expire on Dec. 31.

"We are having grown men coming in crying because they can't put food on the table," said the Rev. Mel Gower, director of the Lighthouse Outreach Center in Roseville, one of 55 food pantries in Macomb County. "It is overwhelming."

The Department of Human Services reports that the number of residents receiving food assistance in Macomb County has nearly doubled in the past two years to 115,081.

"The need continues to increase," said Sue Figurski, coordinator of the Macomb Food Program. "People have lost their jobs, their homes are in foreclosure and they have lost a lot of their resources."

Levin also questioned the agencies what would happen if the unemployment benefits were not extended.

"It will be staggering for us," said Anne Ginn of Forgotten Harvest. "If that happens, many more people will need assistance."

The Congressman stated that up to 1 million people nationwide may lose their benefits in January, and 2 million by February, if the benefits are not extended.

"We've got to extend unemployment insurance next week," Levin said.

While he heard about the challenges being faced in Macomb County, Levin also was told about the efforts to help residents have presents and food during the holidays.

The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 154 Food Bank, will be providing toys to 600 children and food to 275 families this Christmas.

"There isn't a better job than playing Santa Claus and giving things away," said Greg Bauman of the food bank.

Residents in need of assistance can call 211. If residents of Macomb County want to donate or assist those in need, they can call 586-469-6004.