By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

LANSING, Mich. — Blake Farms, a family owned and operated orchard and cider mill, is one of two dozen Michigan agricultural producers and processors that supports the Michigan Agriculture Surplus System (MASS).

MASS is an innovative partnership among Michigan’s food banks, the farm community and food processors.

Through its efforts, more than 5.4 million pounds of fresh produce was salvaged October 2006 through September 2007, and distributed to hungry individuals through the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s (FBCM) statewide network of food banks.

“Last year we donated about 500 bushels of apples and 2,000 gallons of cider,” said Paul Blake, co-owner of Blake Farms in Armada, Mich. “It’s something we usually do at the end of the year around Christmas time. It’s one way for us to give back to the community, to help people in need.”

Funded by a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) since 1990, MASS works to reduce food waste through redistribution of surplus agricultural and other food to the network of food banks throughout the state.

These Michigan-grown products are safely and efficiently made available to local pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

“We are pleased to offer a state grant to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to fund the MASS program in our state,” said MDA Director Don Koivisto. “With these funds, the Food Bank Council can leverage other donated funds, provide the agriculture industry with a market for surplus food products, and help feed people who would otherwise not have access to safe, wholesome, and nutritious food.”

MASS seeks to reduce food waste by encouraging redistribution of surplus food to the hungry, and offers a convenient system for the state’s food industry to donate products. MASS also reimburses growers, packers and processors for costs incurred in preparing donations.

“At a time when our food bank network is experiencing high demand and extreme shortages of food to provide to hungry Michigan citizens, the MASS program and the farmers, packers and processors who participate in the program, are a true Godsend,” said Kim Harkness, food program manager, Food Bank Council of Michigan. “Michigan’s agriculture community continues to demonstrate its generous spirit and a true compassion for the people of our state.”

Produce redistributed in 2007 included more than 1.3 million pounds of apples, 35,471 pounds of asparagus, 102,343 pounds of cabbage, 221,630 pounds of carrots, 135,994 pounds of cherry juice, 85,467 pounds of cherry pie filling, 29,220 pounds of cider, 152,764 pounds of corn, 5,564 pounds of cucumbers, 112,268 pounds of greens, 26,738 pounds of melons, 819,393 pounds of onions, 32,616 pounds of peaches, 14,568 pounds of peppers, more than 2.3 million pounds of potatoes, 10,629 pounds of squash, 19,196 pounds of tomatoes and 890 pounds of meat.
Michigan supporters included Blackhawk Produce, Blake Farms, Buurma Farms, Cedar Valley Farms, Cherry Alliance, Dutchman Orchards, Elmaple Farm, Great Lakes Expo, Honee Bear, Huffman Farms, Indian Summer, Jack Brown Produce, Jenkins Potato Farm, Krummery Farms, Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Styma, Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, Oliver Farms, Ridgeview Orchards, Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc., Smith Brothers, Styma Potato Farm, Veg Pro Inc., Wilk Farms and Wolak Farms.