LANSING, Mich. – About 40 members of the Michigan National Guard are helping food banks in Ann Arbor, Comstock Park, Flint and Pontiac get food to hundreds of needy families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The aid that men and women of the Michigan National Guard will provide to food banks across Michigan is further proof that the Michigan National Guard is a true cornerstone of Michigan communities," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "I could not be more proud of their service, commitment and determination; they are making a difference in the state's response to COVID-19."
The food distribution sites asked the Michigan National Guard to help with mobile food distribution to 300 to 600 Michigan families a day. Guard members will direct traffic for the drive-through distribution sites and assist with packing bags of fruit and handing bags to cars. The Guard members will wear personal protective equipment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They are to assist through mid-April.
Whitmer announced the Michigan National Guard's involvement in the statewide response to COVID-19 March 18. Since then, Guard members have provided logistics support to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, assembling and loading critical personal protective gear such as gowns and face shields. Guard members are also serving the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. They are checking employees' temperatures and ensuring screening protocols are followed to protect resident veterans from the spread of COVID-19.
"The Michigan National Guard strives to be a provider of exceptional service," said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard. "As the response to COVID-19 continues, we stand ready to serve our neighbors, family and friends in the communities in which we live and work."