Here’s a stat that hits hard: 1 in 6 people in Michigan don’t know where their next meal is coming from. And that number keeps climbing.
But Genisys Credit Union isn’t just aware of the problem — they’re rolling up their sleeves and doing something about it. The Auburn Hills-based financial institution just earned the Philanthropic Leadership Award from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM), and when you see the numbers behind it, you’ll understand why.
In 2025 alone, Genisys’s efforts helped provide 437,807 meals to families across their communities. That came from nearly $30,000 in contributions and 560 volunteer hours from their team. Not too shabby for a year’s work.
Two Big Events, Massive Impact
The bulk of those meals came from two major initiatives that honestly deserve their own highlight reel:
Day of Caring: When 131 Employees Became a Food-Moving Machine
Picture this: 131 Genisys team members descend on the Food Bank for a single day. By the time they’re done, they’ve moved 61,927 pounds of food — that’s literally three semi-trucks worth — resulting in 51,605 meals distributed. And they did it in just four hours, setting a new record for the most food moved in that timeframe. Think of it as the CrossFit Games, but with a purpose that actually matters.
Giving Tuesday: Turning $17K Into $64K
For Giving Tuesday, Genisys staff and members donated $17,340, which the credit union used as matching funds. The total haul? $64,367 — enough to provide more than 386,000 meals. It marked the second-largest Giving Tuesday in FBEM history.
Why This Matters Beyond the Numbers
“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.”
Buchanan also noted something that feels both hopeful and sobering: “We hope, one day, these are records we no longer have to break as we work to end the hunger crisis impacting our communities.”
After a decade of partnership with FBEM, Genisys gets something crucial — hunger isn’t just a social issue. It’s a financial one. When families are choosing between groceries and rent, that’s exactly where a credit union can step in and make a real difference.
“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.”
It’s proof that when businesses actually show up for their communities — not just with donations, but with hands-on work and real commitment — the impact extends far beyond a tax write-off. It changes lives, one meal at a time.
Related:
Genisys Credit Union secures $1.5 million for affordable housing development
In the Season of Giving, Genisys Credit Union volunteers 2,300 hours across 11 Nonprofits