There’s nothing like aiming above your goals to accomplish them, and that’s what
Portage Health is doing with its fall food drive.
The Hancock-based health system is partnering with the Michigan Health & Hospital Association to gather food for the
Michigan Harvest Gathering, which, across the state, is also aiming high; collecting 300,000 pounds of non-perishables for Michigan food banks.
In the last few years, Portage Health has routinely participated in the drive, and raised more than 1,000 pounds for Michigan Harvest Gathering, but this year, they’re determined to outdo themselves.
"We’d like to get 5,000 pounds to donate this year," says Mark Pittillo, food services director and Portage Health’s ambassador for this project. And the need for the increased food is great, with more Michigan families than ever needing food assistance. It’s estimated that 38 percent of all Michigan children will get some of their food from a food bank this year.
As we all know, it’s really hard to be healthy without proper food, so Pittillo sees the initiative as an essential part of what the health system does.
"We’ve spent a lot of time promoting and improving our food to meet a healthy foods initiative," he says. "While we’re focusing on that, there are thousands of Michiganders, including many in our community, who are struggling with hunger."
Sysco, the food service company, has started off the drive with a generous gift of 1,000 pounds of nonperishable food items, which should inspire others to chip in where they can.
The food will stay local, going to the Western U.P. Food Bank--and the need doesn’t stop with food. Essentials like paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, garbage bags and other nonperishables also are accepted and needed.
Donations will be accepted until Oct. 14 at drop-off points in Portage Health’s lobby, emergency department entrance and café. Portage Health University Center and Express Care/Fitness Center also are accepting donations.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mark Pittillo, Portage Health
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