United Way of Midland County this week partnered with Corteva Agriscience to host the Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network mobile food pantry, feeding over 1,000 local families.

On Thursday, volunteers from Corteva, United Way of Midland County, Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition, Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network and numerous community members distributed food at Midland High School.

“Food continues to be the No. 1 request through 2-1-1,” said Holly Miller, executive director of United Way of Midland County. “We recognize many need food help, some for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Corteva is an amazing partner, providing dollars and volunteers to ensure food continues to be available for so many who are counting on this lifeline.”

The group worked together to distribute enough food to feed 3,600 individuals. For the health and safety of volunteers and participants, attendees were asked to stay in their vehicles for the distribution. Volunteers also wore gloves and cloth masks.

Corteva Michigan employees have donated to United Ways across the region, with a generous corporate match for the first $5,000 of employee gifts to support the response to COVID-19.

Corteva began collecting monetary donations on March 16, raising enough money to help finance this mobile food pantry and other ways to ensure food continues to be available for those on the frontlines and ALICE families.

“We are grateful to Corteva and their team for stepping up,” Miller said. “When we have organizations, nonprofits, and community members coming together, we can wrap our arms around our neighbors and help lift each other up.”