Food distribution honors, serves area Veterans

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Line 5 Newsroom

Community Foundation for Delta County, Veterans office and local partners celebrate another successful event

Respect, gratitude, laughter―and food.

That winning combination filled the day as the Community Foundation for Delta County (CFFDC), its sponsors and volunteers made possible the annual Veteran Easter Food Basket distribution.

For at least the past 10 years, the CFFDC has partnered with the Delta County Veterans Office and other organizations to show appreciation to area Veterans and their families.

Through donations of time and money, CFFDC organized the event, which Enbridge hosted at its Rapid River Station near Escanaba.

Essential to event preparation, the Delta County Veterans Office through a publication informed county Veterans about the event. Close to two dozen volunteers collaborated with the CFFDC to prepare and distribute the baskets.

Food bank workers and volunteers

“It’s essential that everyone has access to food and drink necessary for living healthy lives,” noted Cheryl Andzejewski, CFFDC president and CEO.

“This event provides another opportunity to address that need while showing appreciation to our Veterans and their families,” she added. “Through our partnerships, volunteer resources and donations, it provides a meaningful way to honor those who have sacrificed so much for us.”

Addressing real needs

Food distributions help address real needs in Delta County and across Michigan. In Delta County, 37%—compared to the state average of 12.5%—of the population is at elevated risk for food insecurity.


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"The smiles and countless expressions of heartfelt appreciation make this event truly worthwhile for Veterans, as well as the volunteers."
Erica Fink
Veteran and Enbridge Liquids Pipelines
regional operations manager, Escanaba area

This year, 160 local Veterans and their families received baskets. Grains, ham, ground beef, pasta and canned goods were among the items in the baskets.

“As a company and as a team, Enbridge embraces opportunities to honor our Veterans and work within our communities,” said Erica Fink, herself a Veteran and the operations manager for Enbridge in the Escanaba region.

“We extend appreciation to our Veterans, as well as to the CFFDC and all those who contributed to making this year’s basket distribution a success.”

In addition to Andzejewski, Connie Mayville, Bob VanDamme, John Jamison, Adam Hongisto, Charlie Becker, Steve Beraner, and Sue Beraner were among the volunteers.

Joining them were several volunteers representing Enbridge, including Fink, Heather DuRoy, Scott Paquette, Sara Gouin, Gerald Zellar, Duane Englund, Jay Crossley, James Reath, Jeremie Terrien, Nick Riutta, John Westphal, Anthony Kruise, and Halley Halberg.