DETROIT – Across the state and now in Detroit, Soldiers and Airmen of the Michigan National Guard (MING) are on duty in local food banks, ensuring the state's charitable food distribution network completes its mission despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It feels good to support the community I have lived in all my life and be part of a team that is doing something to give people hope," said U.S. Army Pfc. Antonio Lyte, with the Taylor Armory.
Gleaners Community Food Bank is the state's largest food charity, serving as a clearinghouse for many food banks. When COVID-19 forced it to suspend most of the work by volunteers, Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen of the state's COVID-19 Spartan Joint Task Force filled the void.
Gleaners partnered with Guard members at its Oakland County distribution warehouses. That work has continued into 2021 and expanded to two more locations, both n Detroit.
"The detachment of Guard personnel who work at the warehouse has made a big difference," said Gerry Brisson, president and chief executive officer for the Gleaners Community Food Bank Detroit. "The daily work of the Michigan National Guard makes a tremendous impact on our work."
Brisson said Gleaners is distributing more than 40% more food during the pandemic, reaching 150,000 households a month.
"We are honored and thankful to have the Michigan National Guard stand with Gleaners during this time of great need," he said. "We could not have made it without them."
U.S. Army Major Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, said 300 Guard members live in Detroit and nearly 3,000 reside in the area.
"This makes the teaming up with Gleaners Community Food Bank and Auxiliary Food Bank a great opportunity to unite with all citizens of Detroit and to continue supporting Michiganders during these trying times," he said.
Like many members of the Michigan National Guard, Lyte is a resident of the community he serves. In his civilian job, he works as a technician for a communications company – serving part-time in the Guard and ready to be called as needed. His first activation was in August for the COVID-19 response.
"I am glad that Gleaners reached out to the MING for assistance and the opportunity to lend a hand," Lyte said. "I enlisted to do more in my community and to serve my country."