GENESSEE COUNTY, Mich.–- Genisys Credit Union has been awarded the Philanthropic Leadership Award by the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM) in recognition of its contributions to hunger relief efforts that helped provide more than 437,000 meals in 2025.
The credit union said one in six in people in Michigan struggle with hunger and the number continues to rise. The award honors those demonstrating an exceptional commitment to fighting hunger. In 2025, Genisys contributed 560 volunteer hours and nearly $30,000 to FBEM programs, helping provide 437,807 meals to individuals and families in their communities.
“Behind each statistic is a child, a family, a neighbor, a grandparent searching for access to reliable, nutritious food,” said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is a trusted source of not only food, but support. It is an honor to be recognized for our contributions, It takes the hands of many to serve, we are grateful to be part of their journey.”
The meals provided in 2025 included two large-scale, single-day initiatives: Genisys Day of Caring and Giving Tuesday:
Day of Caring – A total of 131 Genisys team members volunteered at FBEM, moving 61,927 pounds of food, the equivalent of three semi-trucks. The day resulted in 51,605 meals distributed, marking a record for the amount of food moved in a four-hour time period.
Giving Tuesday – Donations from Genisys staff and members totaling $17,340 were used as matching funds, helping raise $64,367 on Giving Tuesday. The effort provided more than 386,000 meals, making it the second-largest Giving Tuesday in FBEM history.
“We hope, one day, these are records we no longer have to break as we work to end the hunger crisis impacting our communities,” said Buchanan. With a decade-long partnership, Genisys understands hunger is more than a social crisis; it’s a financial one, shaping their commitment to meet the immediate needs of the communities they serve.
“Genisys Credit Union continues to set the standard for what true community partnership looks like,” said Kara Ross, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. “Their generosity of time, talent, and resources has made a measurable impact on the lives of the families we serve. Together, we are not only providing meals—we are strengthening communities and creating pathways toward long-term stability.”
