PHOTO RELEASE: MDARD Director Tim Boring Tours and Volunteers at Gleaners Community Food Bank

TAYLOR, MI - Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring joined Gleaners Community Food Bank for the kick-off of the #GivingMIThanks campaign. Gleaners President and CEO Gerry Brisson led a tour and volunteer experience at Gleaners South Campus in Taylor, packing nutritious food for families, seniors and veterans in Southeast Michigan this holiday season. #GivingMIThanks is a campaign recognizing and expressing thankfulness for our food and agriculture industry in Michigan as we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

"Not only does Michigan's food and agriculture sector drive our area economies, but it is also often the heartbeat of communities across our state. Gathering around a kitchen table for a meal with family and friends connects all of us," said Director Boring. "As the holiday season approaches, it's critical all Michiganders have access to healthy, nutritious, and affordable food. Food banks like Gleaners Community Food Bank make that possible.

"It takes a village to solve complex challenges like food insecurity, and farmers and agriculture are central to helping provide the healthy foods families need and want most produce and milk," said Brisson. "From the soil of the earth to meals on the table, we're grateful for every farmer and for MDARD in the roles they play toward creating the hunger-free communities we know are possible."

In the past year, Gleaners Community Food Bank have distributed more than 18 million pounds of produce and about 862,000 gallons of fluid milk. This creates another way to get Michigan-grown and processed products from the farm to Michigan families.

"We are grateful for the commitment the State of Michigan has made to ensure that more of the delicious and nutritious foods grown and produced right here in Michigan makes it to the dinner tables of Michigan families in need," said Dr. Phil Knight, "Executive Director, Food Bank Council of Michigan. The Michigan food bank network is honored to partner with farms and processers all across the state together we are feeding Michigan."

The #GivingMIThanks will be featured across MDARD's social media platforms throughout November, encouraging Michiganders to give thanks to all parts of our food and agriculture industry who help to ensure the holiday season is a success for families across the state.

Are you looking to give back? Please visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan website at https://www.fbcmich.org/ for more information on how to volunteer at your local food bank or how to donate. To learn more about Gleaners, visit www.gcfb.org.

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