1. Hold regular food drives throughout the year.

Many organizations hold food drives between September and December/ Cosnider holding a food drive each season. Donate the food to either the Mid-Michigan Food Bank or a nearby pantry.

2. Adopt a pantry, community kitchen or shelter.

You do not ened to start a program to get involved in feeding the hungry in your community; consider supporting an existing program. Find the nearest pantry, kitchen or shelter to your congregation or organization. Ask about their needs. Help them to fill a void.

3. Support fundraisers.

Encourage members of your organziation or congregation to attend fundraisers to support the food bank, pantries and community kitchens.

4. Hold a "reverse offering."

Monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly hold a reverse offering with your congregation. One week place slips of paper naming food items in an offering plate. Ask members to take one slip as the plate passes. Ask them to bring that food item with them to the following week. Donate the food to a pantry or use it to support your existing pantry or community kitchen.

5. Support a program with volunteers.

If your organization, congregation and/or members cannot give financial support, encourage members to volunteer at the Mid-Michigan Food Bank or at one of the community's pantries, community kitchens or shelters.

6. Be an advcoate for food programs.

The Farm Bill is very important to all food programs in Michgian. Learn how your congregation or organization can support food programs through letters to city, state and national officials. Invite speakers in to inform your congregation or organization about issues surrounding the topic of hunger.

7. Support local community gardens.

Provide financial support of a Mobile Food Pantry of fresh food. Learn about the Garden Project in Ingham County. Offer land for a community garden. Encourage members to "grow a row" to donate if they garden.