Mt. Pleasant Oil Industry Red Cross Food Pantry Fund

Food Pantry Shelves

The creation of the Mt. Pleasant Oil Industry Red Cross Food Pantry Fund was spearheaded by Dave Maness, CEO of Maness Petroleum. The purpose of the fund is to try to meet the needs of the Central Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross Food Pantry. With the fund being endowed, all earnings from the fund will be designated to the Red Cross Food Pantry to help cover the cost of food the Pantry must buy.

The fund was established at the end of 2008 and already there are many oil and gas companies, as well as individuals, involved and helping give back to their community. Maness’ goal is to have 15 oil and gas companies in Isabella County involved. Maness stated, "I would really like to see an increased participation with oil and gas companies, specifically for the food pantry. While our industry supports many causes in Isabella County, I personally believe feeding the hungry should rank close to the top."

With today’s economic hardships the Food Pantry is working overtime. The purpose of the pantry is to assist Isabella County residents in need by supplying emergency food. Executive Director Deb Birkam explained the increased need in the community, “People used to only be able to come once every 60 days but we recently changed it to once every 30 days because of the demand.”

They are starting to see a whole new population. A large amount of the people being served are families with children, elderly persons and people living on their own who have fallen on rough times. Depending on the size of the family, recipients will receive enough food to feed their family a balanced diet for five days. In addition to the hungry being thankful and appreciative, Birkam also expresses her gratitude. “I really appreciate Dave Maness. The fund was his idea and he really recognized the need in the community. I appreciate the time and energy he has put into this.”