Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
Crystal T. has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and organizations. Crystal is currently the Director of Community Engagement at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Prior to that, they served as the Manager of Foundation and Corporate Relations at the same organization. Crystal also worked as a Leadership Annual Giving Officer at the University of Michigan-Flint, where they secured significant annual giving funds. Crystal also served as a member of the Board of Directors at Heavenly Hope International. Crystal gained experience in grant management and development as a Grants Manager at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and as an Associate Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Crystal was also a Grant Writer at Interfaith Community Services, and a Volunteer Grant Researcher/Editor at The NGS Movement. Crystal began their career as a Development Intern at YWCA Of Monterey County and as an ESL Teacher at Okinawa Hands-On NPO. Crystal also served as a Family Readiness Volunteer for the United States Marine Corps Family Readiness. Crystal has a strong background in fundraising, community engagement, grant writing, and relationship building.
Crystal T. completed a Major Gift Officer Curriculum at the University of Michigan from 2019 to 2020, focusing on fundraising. Prior to that, they pursued a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership at Brandman University, from 2012 to 2013. Crystal's undergraduate studies took place at Alabama State University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English between 1998 and 2003.
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan was founded in 1981 as a grassroots community organization serving agencies in Genesee County. Since, due to increasing need for our services around the state, the Food Bank has grown to serve a network of more than 700 Hunger Relief Partners, including partner agencies, schools, and other community organizations. Once food arrives at the Food Bank, it is sorted, inspected, and made available to partner agencies such as churches, soup kitchens, and food pantries to distribute to those in need. All Food Bank partner agencies are required to distribute food, without charges or fees, to needy clients. The Food Bank also partners with schools who distribute food through our Backpack Program and School Pantry Program and provides meals during our Summer Feeding Program. The Food Bank serves more than 330,000 families through our partner agencies per year and distributes more than 28 million pounds of food, including 11 million pounds of fresh produce annually. Through our network of partners that includes retail grocery chains and farmers, the Food Bank is able to maximize monetary donations. As little as $1 can provide up to six meals for people in need. To donate, visit www.fbem.org. The Food Bank offers volunteer opportunities in our Hunger Solution Center Monday-Saturday for individuals or groups. In one hour, one volunteer can sort enough food to feed 335 people! For information about volunteering, visit www.fbem.org or contact (810) 396-0210.