PACKING COMPASSION

THE GREATER LANSING FOOD BANK PROVIDES THE FOOD KIDS LOVE, AND WELCOME RELIEF FOR PARENTS.

- NAN BIALEK

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, TEACHERS IN CENTRAL MICHIGAN TUCK A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA INTO THE BACKPACKS OF CHILDREN IN NEED OF NUTRITIOUS FOOD.

It's a two-week supply of kid-friendly items, such as peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, granola bars, and fruit snacks.

“We know that a lot of those children, outside of school meals, may not have enough food at home over the weekend or during any kind of school break,” says Michelle Lantz, CEO of the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

During summer months, when school is not in session, the bags are distributed through the food bank's partner organizations, which include health clinics serving low-income families, as well as libraries and church-based food pantries.