According to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, 16 percent of the state’s households struggle to put food on the table and 21 percent of children don’t know where their next meal will come from.

That’s why the Food Bank Council coordinates the annual Michigan Harvest Gathering Campaign, which supplies the state’s regional food banks through donations of food and money.

The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.

In 2014, the entire Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign collected 386,922 pounds (193 tons) of food and more than $375,000. This year, the campaign’s goal is to collect enough food and funds for two million meals.

Nonperishable food items with a valid expiration date can be dropped off at any Secretary of State office. The Secretary of State portion of the Harvest Gathering campaign runs through Nov. 25.

The Secretary of State Branch Office in Iron Mountain is located at 1044 S. Stephenson Ave. in the Midtown Mall. The Iron River office is located at 992 Lalley Road. The Houghton office is located at 902 Razorback Drive.

Food items especially needed include: canned meats, dry beans, soups, beef stew, pasta products, peanut butter and tuna. Other items include baby food or formula, diapers, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

The Food Bank requests donors avoid items in glass, as they often break in transit.

Financial donations may be made online at www.feedmichigan.org.

“For 25 years, the Harvest Gathering campaign has seen the people of our great state stand together to not only feed the hungry but to bring them hope,” said Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. “Michigan families saw some dark days during those 25 years but Harvest Gathering has never let those families down.”

Johnson also praised Secretary of State staff for making the food drive so successful every year. Since 2011, Secretary of State offices have collected almost 30 tons of food donations.

Daily News (Iron Mountain)