Comerica Bank Partners with Griffins for Community Food Drive to Combat Food Insecurity
- Comerica Bank partners with the Grand Rapids Griffins for a six-week food drive to combat local food insecurity.
- This initiative encourages donations of non-perishable food items at Comerica centers, enhancing support for Kids' Food Basket.
- Comerica's ongoing community engagement highlights its commitment to social responsibility and improving quality of life in West Michigan.
Comerica Bank Champions Community Support Through Food Drive Initiative
In a meaningful collaboration, Comerica Bank partners with the Grand Rapids Griffins to launch a six-week community food drive aimed at alleviating food insecurity among children and families in West Michigan. This initiative, running from September 22 to November 1, invites community members to donate essential food items at Comerica banking centers across the region. By focusing on specific non-perishable items such as fruit cups, pretzels, pudding cups, cheese crackers, meat sticks, and Cheerios, the drive seeks to provide nutritious options without the need for heating or refrigeration. Debra Hanes, Senior Vice President at Comerica, underscores the importance of this partnership, highlighting its role in enhancing the outreach and impact of Kids' Food Basket (KFB), which has been actively working to combat food insecurity for over two decades.
This marks the third consecutive year of Comerica’s collaboration with the Grand Rapids Griffins, reflecting a sustained commitment to community welfare. Bob Kaser, a vice president with the Griffins, expresses excitement about how the partnership mobilizes fans and community members to contribute to this vital cause. The initiative not only raises awareness about food insecurity but also incentivizes participation, offering a ticket voucher for a future Griffins game for every five items donated. This strategy not only encourages donations but also fosters a sense of community engagement and support for local families in need.
The urgency of this food drive is emphasized by stark statistics from The Annie E. Casey Foundation, indicating that over 1.42 million individuals in Michigan are food insecure, with more than 41,000 children under the age of 18 affected in certain counties. Tamara VanderArk-Potter, KFB's VP of Philanthropy, notes that the partnership with Comerica is crucial as KFB faces increasing demands for meals within the community. By leveraging the collective enthusiasm of local supporters and organizations, this initiative aims to address the rising food insecurity crisis and ensure that more children and families have access to healthy food options.
In addition to the food drive, Comerica Bank continues to explore other community engagement opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility. The bank's ongoing focus on philanthropy demonstrates its recognition of the critical role financial institutions can play in supporting local initiatives aimed at improving quality of life. As the partnership with the Griffins exemplifies, collaborative efforts between businesses and community organizations can lead to meaningful change and enhance the well-being of those most in need.