SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Four Winds Casinos donated over 7,000 pounds of food to those in need after the casinos closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi have donated 7,450 pounds of food to residents in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana after deciding to close its four casino locations, the casino said in a press release Thursday, March 19.

The food items that were part of the donation included dairy products, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, baked goods, and fresh fish, the casino said.

The casinos, with Michigan locations in New Buffalo, Dowagiac and Hartford as well as South Bend, Indiana, will be closed until March 30. Officials will reevaluate at that time.

RelatedHow to find free lunch for Michigan kids with schools shut down

“Given the recent closure of our casino locations and the uncertainty of the evolving Coronavirus situation, we felt compelled to donate these unused foods items as soon as possible so they could be used by community members in need,” said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Chairman of the Pokagon Band. “We hope it will bring comfort to recipients during this challenging time.”

The casinos closed Monday, March 16, along with restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues across the state. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered these closures to help stop the spread of coronavirus that has now infected over 300 Michigan residents and resulted in three deaths.

Gun Lake Casino also donated food after closing because of coronavirus.

The food will be distributed by Feeding America and Cultivate, the casino said.

The food was received by Feeding America in Benton Harbor and Cultivate in South Bend, Indiana, said Frank Freedman, COO of Four Winds Casinos.

“Four Winds Casinos is proud to support our community partners and our employees are honored to have helped organize this donation,” Freedman said.

Checks for $3K could be sent to families of 4 as part of stimulus package

Where kids can get free meals across Kalamazoo County while school is out

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.