May 14, 2008

LANSING - Thanks to the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System (MASS), an innovative partnership among Michigan’s food banks, the farm community and food processors, more than 5.4 million pounds of fresh produce was salvaged October 2006 through September 2007, and distributed to hungry individuals through the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s (FBCM) statewide network of food banks.

Funded by a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) since 1990, MASS works to procure unmarketable, yet nutritious, agricultural surplus for Michigan food banks. These Michigan-grown products are then safely and efficiently made available to local pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.

“We are pleased to offer a state grant to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to fund the MASS program in our state,” said MDA Director Don Koivisto. “With these funds, the Food Bank Council can leverage other donated funds, provide the agriculture industry with a market for surplus food products, and help feed people who would otherwise not have access to safe, wholesome, and nutritious food.”

MASS seeks to reduce food waste by encouraging redistribution of surplus food to the hungry, and offers a convenient system for the state's food industry to donate products. MASS also reimburses growers, packers, and processors for costs incurred in preparing donations.

“At a time when our food bank network is experiencing high demand and extreme shortages of food to provide to hungry Michigan citizens, the MASS program and the farmers, packers and processors who participate in the program, are a true Godsend,” said Kim Harkness, Food Program Manager, Food Bank Council of Michigan. “Michigan’s agriculture community continues to demonstrate its generous spirit and a true compassion for the people of our state.”

For more information about the Michigan Agricultural Surplus Program, visit www.fbcmich.com or call 517-485-1202.

2007 Michigan Agricultural Surplus System

Donors

• Blackhawk Produce
• Blakes Orchards
• Buurma Farms
• Cedar Valley Farms
• Cherry Alliance
• Dutchman Orchards
• Elmaple Farm
• Great Lakes Expo
• Honee Bear
• Huffman Farms
• Indian Summer
• Jack Brown Produce
• Jenkins Potato Farm
• Krummery Farms
• Mr. & Mrs. Norbert Styma
• Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger
• Oliver Farms
• Ridgeview Orchards
• Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc.
• Smith Brothers
• Styma Potato Farm(Erwin & Yvonne Styma)
• Veg Pro. Inc
• Wilk Farms
• Wolak Farms

Products & Pounds

• Apples = 1,328,774 lbs.
• Asparagus = 35,471 lbs.
• Cabbage = 102,343 lbs.
• Carrots = 221,630 lbs.
• Cherry Juice = 135,994 lbs.
• Cherry Pie Filling = 85,467 lbs.
• Cider = 29,220 lbs.
• Corn = 152,764 lbs.
• Cucumbers = 5,564 lbs.
• Greens = 112,268 lbs.
• Melons = 26,738 lbs.
• Misc. = 495
• Onions = 819,393 lbs.
• Peaches = 32,616 lbs.
• Peppers = 14,568 lbs.
• Potatoes = 2,334,096 lbs
• Squash = 10,629 lbs.
• Tomatoes = 19,196 lbs.
• Meat/Venison = 890 lbs.

Total Pounds from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007 = 5,468,116