COMSTOCK PARK, Mich., Oct. 7, 2020 — The Fremont Area Community Foundation has provided Feeding America West Michigan with nearly $82,000 to support their hunger-relief efforts in Newaygo County. The funds will be used to provide Mobile Food Pantries and bolster the food bank’s agency partners’ programs in the region.
Due to the pandemic, 1 in 5 neighbors are projected to face hunger in Newaygo County this year. Children are even more at risk, with 1 in 4 expected to face hunger in 2020. Since 2007, the Fremont Area Community Foundation has generously supported Feeding America West Michigan, enabling the food bank’s network to serve these neighbors in need.
One grandma, a disabled senior who lives on a fixed income, is among many Newaygo County neighbors served by the food bank’s agency partners so far this year. She often feeds her seven grandkids when they visit, including her 7-year-old grandson who stops by for homework help. The pandemic has made this more challenging, so this grandma appreciates the option to visit Love INC Newaygo, one of the food bank’s agency partners, when she’s in need.
“This one likes oatmeal,” she said, referring to her grandson, “so it’s nice that they have instant oatmeal.”
FACF-supported Mobile Pantries are making an impact for neighbors, too. When one Newago County woman’s husband was out of work due to illness, Mobile Pantries at True North Community Services helped her family make it through.
“We don’t qualify for food stamps, and I’m disabled, so his was the only income,” she said.
The food bank relies on local support to get food on the plates of neighbors like these.
“We are tremendously grateful for the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s support of our mission in the past and right now, as the need for our services remains heightened due to COVID-19,” said Ken Estelle, president and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan.
Contact Molly Kooi at 616-460-9342 or MollyK@FeedWM.org for more information.
About Feeding America West Michigan
Serving local families in need since 1981, Feeding America West Michigan reclaims safe surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers. That food is distributed through a network of more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other hunger-relief agencies in 40 of Michigan’s 83 counties from the Indiana border through the Upper Peninsula. For more information about the food bank, visit FeedWM.org or call 616-784-3250.
About Fremont Area Community Foundation
Fremont Area Community Foundation exists to improve the quality of life for Newaygo County residents by connecting community needs with the passions of families, businesses, and individuals. Through strategic and responsive grantmaking, we support programs and organizations that create long-term solutions to the most pressing needs in our community. For more information about Fremont Area Community Foundation, call 231.924.5350 or visit facommunityfoundation.org.
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