KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) — Tuesday, June 16, is “616 Day,” and Feeding America West Michigan is looking to use the day to make an impact.

The organization says it’s prepared to serve 400 households during Tuesday’s mobile food pantry event.

“We just wanted to take it as a fun opportunity to serve the community and just to celebrate what makes it great to live in the 616 area code,” said Anne Hamming, Feeding America West Michigan’s marketing and communications manager. “I think we’re a region that’s known for generosity and great community support, and when our neighbors need help, you know, we step up. And so we wanted to take that day to do that very thing to support the community to step up and help people.”

The event is happening at the food bank at 3070 Shaffer Ave. SE near 32nd Street. All spots have been filled, which is indicative of the need in West Michigan. Feeding America says the need for charitable food has been high for years, and attendance at the food pantry in Kentwood has been growing since it opened in January. The organization says it served 500 households in May.

Grand Rapids food pantry: Meijer Simply Give is key to mission

Hamming says in addition to helping fill bellies, she hopes people at Tuesday’s event feel supported.

“I think as an organization, we want them to know that we care, that we’re here to support them,” Hamming said. “We know that when people get a little bit of support, I mean, it can be a family that is just struggling to pay the bills, but that little bit of support that helps them to pay their other bills, that it helps and it can really provide them with some optimism and some encouragement just to know that people in their community care and are there to help them.”

Families will receive a variety of lean protein, dairy, fresh produce and grains at Tuesday’s event. Feeding America West Michigan hopes other organizations host similar events for 616 Days to come.