Gleaners Says Many Still In Need Despite Leveling Pantry DemandsGleaners Says Many Still In Need Despite Leveling Pantry Demands

1/4/13 - Although the demand may not appear as severe as a few years ago in Livingston County, consistent and continued support is essential to making sure that everyone has access to the food they need, when they need it. That’s according to Gleaners Program Coordinator Michelle Ounanian, who tells WHMI they’re serving 1,300 families every month at Gleaners Shared Harvest Pantry on Sterling Drive in Genoa Township. This past year, the pantry served an estimated 1.7 million meals to local residents and families in need. That’s about the same as in 2011. Although the demand appears to be leveling off, Ounanian says many local families and residents are still struggling to put food on the table. She adds that 10% of those who visited the pantry last year were identified as being “newly in need”, noting many pantry referrals involve children and senior citizens. Meanwhile, the Livingston Hunger Council is continuing work to help end hunger in Livingston County while also recognizing the importance of emergency food for a food secure community. The Council is a collaborative body dedicated to making the local community a place where everyone has access to the nutritious food they need, when they need it. (JM)