<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1018706268302959&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
((o
Knowledge • News • Insights
 o))
In Partnership With

Food Bank Council of MI applauds USDA approval of Disaster Household Distribution request

Michigan Business Network
April 14, 2020 1:00 PM

Image result for food bank council of michigan

 

LANSING, MI – Federal government approval Monday of Michigan’s request for a emergency food program eases distribution efforts by the Food Bank Council of Michigan network of food pantries while keeping staff and volunteers safer during the process.

The state Department of Education submitted a request to USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) for a Disaster Household Distribution Program on behalf of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. The subsequent approval waives household verification and income eligibility requirements normally connected to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) which puts staff in close proximity to clients when asking these questions. This waiver will allow food bank staff, volunteers and National Guard members to more efficiently serve a large number of people in need while also maintaining safety protocols outlined in social distancing guidelines.

“Our partnership with the Michigan Department of Education proved vital in this effort,” said Phil Knight, executive director, Food Bank Council of Michigan.  “During this unprecedented time in our history, USDA Food and Nutrition Services has acknowledged that flexibilities are needed on the ground to safely and effectively distribute food to those in need.”

Many food banks and pantries have implemented drive-through distribution models. The need to capture information from new participants was putting food bank staff and volunteers at risk, especially with the demand for personal protective equipment.

Michigan has experienced a significant demand for emergency food resources as more people find themselves without work during the pandemic. Flexibilities afforded through the Disaster Household Distribution Program waives the need to capture information face-to-face and further promotes social distancing and minimized contact.

“The staff at our seven food banks are working tirelessly to meet the needs of those struggling with job loss or decreased work hours during this pandemic. This waiver will help keep these essential workers safe and allow them to continue providing vital resources especially in communities hardest hit by the virus.”

Learn more about the Food Bank Council’s response to COVID-19 at www. https://www.fbcmich.org/covid-19/.

###

Founded in 1984, the Food Bank Council of Michigan was created to implement a unified strategy to address and alleviate hunger statewide. FBCM works with its regional food banks and over 2,800 hunger relief agencies, private companies, farmers, state and federal officials, and other allies to make sure no Michigander goes without food.

Michigan Business Network is an online broadcasting company that provides knowledge, news, and insights into Michigan’s businesses, industries, and economy.