2023-2024 State Service Project

“Feed the Mitten”

It's not new information that hunger in America is a real problem, but it is commonly overlooked. Everyday, in America alone, 34 million people go hungry. While this number may be overwhelming, there are ways you can help.

This year our State Service Project is “Feed the Mitten” and we are encouraging chapters to partner with their local food bank. We believe that it is important to lend a hand in our local communities and to inspire others to do the same.

There is always a way to support those in need.

How Your Chapter Can Help - Monthly Breakdown

OCTOBER:

    • Start a community garden

      • Starting a community garden is a great way to not only ensure a sustainable way to provide food to your community but will also bring awareness about hunger in your area to others.

    • Partner with a local food bank

      • By partnering with a local food bank you are able to have a direct impact on those who are in need. To find your local food bank simply search “food banks near me”.

November:

    • Create Thanksgiving food baskets

      • Your chapter can make a huge difference this holiday season by creating thanksgiving food baskets. Ask people in your chapter to bring non-perishable food items such as instant potatoes or box stuffing and bring baskets to a local food bank or pantry.

    • Volunteer at a local soup kitchen

      • By volunteering at your local food bank you are not only able to get a better understanding of the impact of hunger on your community but also to serve your community and create connections.

DECEMBER:

    • Host an event at school about educating peers about hunger in their community

      • Informing others is just as important as doing! Host a workshop where you and your chapter explain why hunger is a big issue not only in Michigan but in your community and list ways that they can get involved.

    • Host a Can drive

      • Doing something as simple as hosting a can drive can be extremely beneficial. Your chapter can set up a day for classmates and community members to bring in cans of food which can be donated to your local food bank.

JANUARY:

    • Inform your school and community on where your local food bank is

      • Informing your community on where your local food bank can be as easy as a social media post or hanging up flyers in your school and town!

    • Host a free dinner

      • Hosting a free dinner for your community is a great way to meet new people and get a better understanding of the hunger problem in your community. Ask people from your chapter to bring in food items such as pasta and bread and ask to use your schools kitchen to help feed your community.

FEBRUARY:

    • Ask your local food bank how you can make a difference

      • By reaching out to your food bank you will be able to help in ways your community needs most.

    • Stock a local food pantry

      • By bringing in non-perishable items to a local food pantry you can help people first hand. If your school or community does already have one, start one! You can start a food pantry by talking to your principal and planning the best way to discreetly provide food to those in need.

Community Involvement Award

Chapters who participate in the state service project may apply for the Michigan BPA Community Involvement Award. By participating, your chapter will be eligible to be recognized at the state leadership conference.