3 days ago
Duncan Aviation leads record food drive in Southern Michigan
Duncan Aviation led the charge in a record-breaking effort to combat hunger in Southern Michigan, according to a community announcement from the South Michigan Food Bank.
The Fort Fills the Fleet Challenge, held throughout May, saw businesses within the Fort Custer Industrial Park, 4950 W. Dickman Road No. A1, Battle Creek, come together to fill the food bank's fleet of 17 vehicles with food and resources. The fleet travels more than 150,000 miles annually, delivering food across eight counties.
This year, the challenge generated more than 95,000 meals, marking the most successful event yet, according to the announcement.
Duncan Aviation contributed the highest percentage of donations through fundraising, food donations and volunteer hours. The company will be recognized on the food bank's commemorative plaque and receive a keepsake plaque for their facility.
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'I'm incredibly proud of our team members for their generosity and commitment to supporting the South Michigan Food Bank,' Andy Richards, COO of Duncan Aviation, said in the announcement. 'Whether volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, their efforts reflect the compassion and teamwork that define our culture. We're also grateful to our neighbors whose involvement in the challenge inspired even greater participation. Together, we're working to enrich lives and reduce food insecurity in our communities.'
The challenge resulted in $17,664.25 in monetary donations, 18,645 pounds of donated food and 128.25 volunteer hours, according to the announcement.
The South Michigan Food Bank, headquartered in the Fort Custer Industrial Park, partners with more than 380 agencies to serve the counties of Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee and St. Joseph.
Other participating companies included Nexthermal Corporation, TRMI, BASF, Prairie Farms Dairy, Rosler Metal Finishing, Magna International and Binger Shipping Supplies.
This year's challenge saw double the business participation compared to 2024, making it the most impactful event yet, according to the announcement.
For more information about the South Michigan Food Bank and its programs, go to or call 269-441-4442.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Businesses double down to fight hunger in Southern Michigan Fort Fills the Fleet
