COMSTOCK PARK, Mich., March 18, 2024 — Feeding America West Michigan received $90,000 from The American Electric Power Foundation for the purchase of a truck dedicated to serving neighbors in the Southwest region of the food bank’s service area.
The tandem-axle straight truck with a lift gate and a reefer will allow the food bank to better meet the need for food for neighbors in Berrien—where American Electric Power operates their Cook Nuclear Plant—Cass and Van Buren counties through the Mobile Food Pantry program.
Mobile Food Pantries are like farmers’ markets on wheels, delivering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and baked goods directly into communities of high need. Having a truck dedicated to Mobile Pantries in the food bank’s Southwest region allows the food bank to better support neighbors in need in these counties.
“Because of this new truck, the food bank can increase food access and more efficiently serve neighbors in the Southwest region of our service area,” said President and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan, Kenneth Estelle. “We are so grateful for The American Electric Power Foundation’s support and care for our neighbors in need in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. Together, we can increase food security and work to end hunger.”
About Feeding America West Michigan
Serving local families in need since 1981, Feeding America West Michigan reclaims millions of meals’ worth of safe, surplus food from various sources. With the help of countless volunteers, the food bank sorts, stores and distributes this food through a network of hundreds of hunger-relief partners to fill neighbors’ plates instead of landfills. The food bank’s service area consists of 40 of Michigan’s 83 counties from the Indiana border north through the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit FeedWM.org or call 616-784-3250.
About The American Electric Power Foundation
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) and its operating subsidiaries. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11- state service area. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math; by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger; and championing social justice. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.
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