The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on people in Southwest Michigan. It’s not just the rising rates of infections and deaths – more people than ever are in need of basic necessities such as food.
As Kalamazoo’s main food bank, Loaves and Fishes, has seen a large part of that surge in need. The nonprofit reports that it has delivered more than 60,000 food orders this year – an increase over last year. They’ve also serving 1,200 more families than previous years.
“This whole year has been really busy for us,” said Resource Development Director Greta Faworski in an interview with Fox 17. “It is just one thing on top of another creating a storm of people who need a lot of assistance.”
The organization has been focused on gearing up for the holiday season, when a combination of fewer resources and higher heating costs typically leads to an increased need for its services.
“People are able to use our pantries twice a month. That increase of people who are having to use that second serve every month has definitely been there as well. We are definitely seeing people come out of the woodwork. Just a lot of different types of people from different walks of life – people who never thought they would be here,” said Faworski.
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