COMSTOCK PARK, Mich., February 27, 2023 — Feeding America West Michigan received $78,863 from the Fremont Area Community Foundation to support its Mobile Food Pantry program and its partnerships with traditional food pantries across Newaygo County.
Last year, the food bank brought 111 Mobile Food Pantries to the county. Each food distribution provided supplemental groceries—including produce, protein, dairy, grains and more—to anyone in need at no charge. The traditional food pantries supported by this grant typically provide neighbors with nonperishable staples. When neighbors in need can benefit from both of these programs, they can access a much greater variety of food.
Funds like these from the William and Jeanne Leaver Donor Advised Fund and the Rich and Kerriann Meeuwenberg Advised Fund of the Fremont Area Community Foundation ensure the food bank can keep both types of programs up and running.
“Hunger-relief programs are so important in Newaygo County, where 1 in 7 neighbors faces hunger, ” said Kenneth Estelle, president and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan. “These funds granted by the Fremont Area Community Foundation make it possible for the food bank to keep nourishing neighbors in Newaygo County and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support of our work.”
About Feeding America West Michigan
Serving local families in need since 1981, Feeding America West Michigan reclaims millions of meals’ worth of safe, surplus food from various sources. With the help of countless volunteers, the food bank sorts, stores and distributes this food through a network of hundreds of hunger-relief partners to fill neighbors’ plates instead of landfills. The food bank’s service area consists of 40 of Michigan’s 83 counties from the Indiana border north through the Upper Peninsula. For more information, 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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