Million Meal March helps feed W. Mich

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WOOD) - Distributing 1 million meals to food pantries, domestic violence shelters and soup kitchens throughout all of West Michigan isn't easy. That's where the Million Meal March comes in.

About 300 walkers met in front of Feeding America West Michigan's headquarters, 864 W River Center Drive NE, for a 10K hike to help raise money for the six-month long campaign.

The hike followed the White Pine Trail to Belmont and back. About halfway through, The Corner Bar of Rockford served lunch, and hikers got Country Fresh ice cream at the end. Three bands played throughout the event. And everyone who hiked got a Million Meal March t-shirt.

“You can walk, you can bike, you can bring your kids, strollers, pets — anything. We want this to be absolutely huge,” Linda Vanderbaan, the fund development manager at Feeding America West Michigan, said in a release. “A million meals is no small challenge, so we’re encouraging everyone who participates to raise $100 for the Food Bank.”

The overall goal is to raise $238,000. So far, nearly $40,000 has been raised.

Feeding America West Michigan stores, processes and distributes surplus food through 1300 food pantries and hunger relief agencies in 40 of Michigan's 83 counties, helping more than 100,000 West Michigan families.