Moody on the Market
Dec 7, 2022
In an effort to spread good tidings and holiday cheer. The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) announced today its seventh-annual Holiday Food Sharing Program, sponsored by the City of Benton Harbor, Whirlpool Corporation, and the PGA of America.
“As the holiday season approaches, our focus always shifts toward giving back to those in need,” said Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad. “This will be SMCAA’s seventh year organizing the food sharing program, which has now provided holiday meals for thousands of people in our community. The generosity of the organization and the volunteers that make this event happen help bring tremendous joy to families throughout Benton Harbor and the surrounding areas.”
The Holiday Food Sharing Program collects and distributes approximately 400 food boxes and turkeys to local residents and families in need of assistance each year. Since the program’s founding in 2015, the SMCAA has helped more than 2,800 families in Benton Harbor, Benton Charter Township, and St. Joseph, Michigan.
“Whirlpool Corporation is deeply ingrained in the southwest Michigan community, and our neighbors are important to us,” said Deb O’Connor, director of corporate reputation and community relations at Whirlpool Corporation. “This can be a difficult time of year for many and we hope the Holiday Food Sharing Program can help bring a little cheer during the holiday season.”
Distribution of the turkeys and food boxes will occur on Thursday, Dec. 22 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET. The food share program will be done in a drive-thru format again this year. Program participants will not be allowed outside their vehicles, and vehicles must have trunks cleaned and cleared for holiday food boxes to be provided.
All interested residents must apply for the Holiday Food Sharing Program to be considered. Applications are available at the following locations:
Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency: 185 East Main St, S303, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
United Way: 2015 Lakeview Ave, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
The Department of Health and Human Services: 401 8th St, Benton Harbor, MI. 49023
Benton Harbor City Hall: 200 E. Wall St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
City of St, Joseph: 700 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Benton Charter Township: 1725 Territorial Rd Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Mosaic: 510 W. Main St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Michigan Works: 401 8th St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
The Emergency Shelter Services: 645 Pipestone St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
The Salvation Army: 233 Michigan St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Benton Harbor/Benton Township Senior Services, Inc: 225 Colfax Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Applications need to be turned in to SMCAA by Friday, December 16, 2022. Applications may be returned in the following manner:
By email: contact@smcaa.com
By phone: 269-925-9077 ext. 874
By drop-off: SMCAA Main Office – 185 E. Main St., Suite 303, Benton Harbor, MI 49085
Applicants will receive immediate notification of eligibility and, if eligible, pick-up instructions for the day of the event.
“The local response to this event each year is remarkable,” said Brandon Haney, Championship Director of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. “The southwest Michigan community has embraced the PGA of America and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and delivering meals for the holidays is just one small thing we can do to show that same support.”
For further information about the Holiday Sharing Program, please visit www.smcaa.com or call (269) 925-9077.