WCMU Public Radio has announced the kick-off it its 4th Annual WCMU Foodraiser taking place through Monday (12/9).  This collaboration offers an opportunity to support local journalism and help combat food insecurity across Michigan.

Listeners are encouraged to make donations to WCMU Public Radio during the campaign to support its news and music programming and at the same time trigger donations of meals, thanks to Mercantile Bank. For every contribution, Mercantile Bank will provide meals to the local Feeding America food bank serving your area.

According to Feeding America, “1 in 7 people and 1 in 6 children face hunger in Michigan. Hunger exists in every county and congressional district—impacting our neighbors, friends, and children in our classrooms.” The WCMU Foodraiser aims to help alleviate this need for some of the food insecure across central and northern Michigan.

Through Monday, December 9, listeners who donate to support their favorite WCMU Public Radio programs will trigger meals from our ‘Gift of Food’ sponsor, Mercantile Bank. Those meals will be sourced and distributed by the Feeding America food bank serving your zip code. They include the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Feeding America West Michigan, The Manna Food Project, and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

In 2023, WCMU donors generated more than 1,700 meals, and in 2022, more than 8,000 meals without a ‘Gift of Food’ sponsor. WCMU General Manager Rick Westover is hopeful for an even greater impact this year. “Our goal is to see 10,000 meals with the help of Mercantile Bank,” said Westover. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to help our neighbors and make a real difference during the season of giving, and listener donations make it all happen.”

More information about the WCMU Foodraiser can be found at WCMU.org/Food.