The Food Bank Council of Michigan is calling on Michiganders to help food-insecure households.

The Lansing-based organization last week launched a virtual food drive to help feed the ever-increasing number of children, families and seniors who find themselves without food during the COVID-19 crisis.

Coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, the initiative encourages donors to virtually shop for food items or make a direct donation at michiganfooddrive.org.

Contributors can select which of the state’s seven regional food banks receives the donation. The council will distribute undesignated funds and food to areas of greatest need.

“These are unprecedented times, and the need is tremendous,” said Phil Knight, executive director of Food Bank Council of Michigan. “Food bankers across Michigan are among the many unsung heroes in the COVID-19 pandemic. They are making sure that hungry Michiganders get the food they need to survive during this crisis.”

The demand on Michigan food banks has grown dramatically since state-ordered school closures in March. The increase includes nearly 1 million children and teens who relied on their schools for at least two meals a day.

“They’re your friend, your neighbor, your family. I urge you to come alongside us to help feed Michigan,” Knight said.

Founded in 1984, the Food Bank Council of Michigan was created to implement a unified strategy to address and alleviate hunger statewide.

FBCM works with its regional food banks and over 2,800 hunger relief agencies, private companies, farmers, state and federal officials, and other allies to make sure no Michigander goes without food.

The United Health Foundation committed $250,000 to the FBCM.