Surrounded by welcoming sights on all sides, Big Rapids Community Library is a haven of community resources for Mecosta County residents. To the right of the entrance, a shaded park flanked by benches leads to an expansive playground — complete with larger than life musical instruments, a finger-painting station, a picture book walk, and thriving community gardens. This is a safe space where no one seems more top of mind than local children and families.
Here, food-insecure families can also find some peace of mind through the library’s free summer meal distributions. Monday through Friday — from June 2 through August 29 — volunteers at Big Rapids Community Library hand out free, shelf-stable meals from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These nourishing meals are available for any children (18 and under) and developmentally delayed adults up to age 26.
“I think people really appreciate it,” said Library Director Lauren Perkins, “This place allows people to feel welcome, and it’s a neutral space. I think it’s important for the families that come in here to feel like they’re safe and to receive these kinds of services.”
In addition to being on their second year of providing no-cost meals through Gather 2 Grow, the library provides numerous resources, classes, and events.
The Food Desert in Mecosta County
1 in 5 children in Mecosta County are food insecure, 22 percent of a population of nearly 8,000 children. That’s almost 2,000 children who may not know where their next meal is coming from despite the fact that many parents work hard to keep their household fed. Although Lauren notes a decrease in attendance at Gather 2 Grow distributions daily, she attributes that more to the presence of additional food resources than a lack of need for them.
“This particular community and the surrounding communities have such a food desert problem. I’m surprised that we’re not seeing more people come in, but I think that it’s because it’s being addressed in so many areas in this community. Not only Feeding America West Michigan, but Angels of Action, all of the food pantries that get food from Feeding America West Michigan. So I think it’s actually a good thing that we’ve seen a little bit of a decline.”
Despite the decline, volunteer Emma notes that they still serve around 20 individuals per day in the span of an hour. Over the course of a week, that adds up to 100 lunches.
Lauren also mentioned she believes programs like Gather 2 Grow are helpful for parents and children because they can help mitigate some of the shame and stigma people might feel seeking out other resources.
“I think it probably takes some of the stigma away from going to a food pantry,” she said. “They’re like, ‘I’m just going to the library. Oh, there’s a free meal. I’m just going to pick that up.’”
“If a space like the Big Rapids Community Library can make local neighbors feel safe enough to seek out the resources they may need, then it’s a great avenue to get those resources out there,” she said.
Wrapping up another year of Gather 2 Grow
Another year of Gather 2 Grow has come to an end, wrapping up on Aug. 29. This year, thanks to the dedicated work of many volunteers and the kindness of donors, we were able to provide meals in 56 locations like the Big Rapids Community Library.
Our thanks goes out to grantors like the Mecosta County Community Foundation who help make these programs possible with their generosity.