29th annual ‘Stuff a Truck’ food drive addresses growing need in Michiana

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (WNDU) - The 29th annual “Stuff a Truck” food drive is underway as local organizations report increased demand for food assistance across Southwest Michigan.

99.9 Y Country and the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency are partnering for the annual event, which runs through Saturday, Nov. 22, at Roger’s Foodland in St. Joseph.

“Every year, it surprises me how the community just comes out to help those in need, and I think this year, more than ever, the need is great,” said Johnny Reinhardt, program director for 99.9 Y Country.

The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency says it has served more than 9,800 people this year. Local food pantries are also running low on supplies.

Zach East, senior director of organizational sustainability for United Way of Southwest Michigan, described the current situation as a “perfect storm” due to timing of government issues and SNAP benefit delays.

United Way’s 211 resource hotline continues to see increased calls from families seeking assistance.

“A lot of that is just this uncertainty that exists for some families as to how they’re really going to deal with Thanksgiving if they haven’t perhaps received all or any of their SNAP benefits,” East said.

Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency Executive Director Kim Smith Oldham said families face difficult choices between basic needs.

“It’s like heat or eat. I mean, you have to either pay your utility or you’re going to feed your family,” she said. “It worries me with the seniors that are on a fixed income that they’re either worrying about medication or they’re worrying about eating.”

How to donate
Donations can be dropped off at Roger’s Foodland in St. Joseph through Saturday, Nov. 22. Organizers are requesting nonperishable foods and products for babies and personal hygiene.

Online donations are accepted at smcaa.com or ycountrystuffatruck.com.

This year’s goal is to fill 11 trucks with food donations and raise more than $40,000, surpassing last year’s fundraising target.