West Michigan Credit Union is Feeding West Michigan

West Michigan Credit Union (WMCU) recently donated $14,000 to Feeding America West Michigan, one of seven Feeding America food banks located in Michigan, serving 40 counties.

The proceeds came from Hearts Building Homes, a program in which WMCU donate $100 for each mortgage or home equity loan closed in 2019. Each dollar provides four meals (one loan equals 400 meals). With the proceeds, WMCU was able to provide 56,000 meals for its neighbors in need throughout West Michigan.

WMCU initially partnered with Feeding America West Michigan in 2016 when the credit union sold cookbooks and was looking to give proceeds to a local organization. The organization had a strong connection with the food bank network and wanted to continue to strengthen the relationship. WMCU started giving proceeds from its Hearts Building Homes program since 2018.

This past year, WMCU team members also spent two hours volunteering their time in Feed America West Michigan’s warehouse separating bulk product into smaller portions to be distributed.

“It is a truly humbling experience to be able to volunteer,” said WMCU Marketing Coordinator Dana Kapaska. “In a matter of two hours, a team can really make a difference. It is amazing to see a tangible result and know that you were able to contribute. We were also offered a tour of the facilities and it is incredible to see the volume they transport to food banks. It is easy to feel like you are making a real difference when you see all the efforts of those involved with Feeding America West Michigan.”

Feeding America West Michigan’s warehouse is used to sorting and repackaging food from its providers. From the warehouse, they deliver food across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula to food banks and shelters. Just one hour of volunteering can help to ready 200 meals. The network specifically focuses on fighting food waste to solve hunger in its local communities.

“WMCU believes highly in our mission of being a positive ambassador, both in our institution and the community,” continued Kapaska. “We strive to be a trusted name in the communities we serve, and we are fortunate to have such great members participating in our loan programs, allowing us to continue giving back to the community. We look forward to seeing where our Hearts Building Homes program can take us in 2020.”