EAST LANSING, MI – This week the Michigan Potato Industry joined together to donate a truckload of Michigan grown potatoes to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to help feed the state's hungry children, families, and seniors during this increased time of need.

Michigan potato growers, shippers, and other agriculture industry members helped to raise $5,200 for the Food Bank Council through a fundraiser organized by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC). Potatoes are a key produce item for the state’s regional food banks with over 4 million pounds of potatoes purchased in 2019. Michigan food banks are currently operating at four times their normal capacity and are experiencing significant trouble securing food to meet the increased demand. The longstanding relationship between the Michigan Potato Industry and Food Bank Council of Michigan is critical during the COVID-19 crisis to help meet the increased demand across the state.

“During this unprecedented and unsettling time, it is of utmost importance that we continue to keep all of the residents of Michigan in our thoughts and prayers and to act in a way that displays compassion and caring for one another,” said Kelly Turner, Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. “The potato farmers and industry specialists of Michigan are dedicated to providing a healthy, safe, abundant supply of potatoes to Michiganders and those beyond our state borders. The potato industry continues to support our fellow Michiganders through private donations by individuals and potato businesses.”

This is the second donation the Michigan Potato Industry Commission has helped coordinate in the past few weeks. The Commission recently donated $5,000 for a previous truckload of Michigan Potatoes to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to help meet demand.

If you'd like to join Michigan Potatoes in supporting hungry Michigan residents during this time of need, visit www.fbcmich.org/covid-19/.