Karen Kamerschen was born in Laurium, a small town in the Upper Peninsula, but moved south with her family a year later. Her life as a student, psychologist and now a retiree has taken her from Michigan State University to … Continue reading
Molly Kooi
From points to produce
Maria, a high school junior, loves cruising around on her skateboard, tutoring her siblings and studying science and math. She also loves volunteering at the Community Food Club each week, where you’ll find her behind the cash register helping neighbors … Continue reading
2021 Issue 2
In this edition of Full Plate Press, you’ll learn how our partners are fighting child hunger in their communities and meet some of the neighbors they serve. You’ll meet Maria, a high school junior who loves volunteering at the Community Food Club in Grand Rapids each week. You’ll read how three community school coordinators are ensuring kids have access to food in their school district. Then, you’ll meet Emily, a mom of five, and learn how she’s making ends meet despite unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. Next, you’ll get to know Jerry, one of the food bank’s truck drivers who’s driven to fight hunger wherever he goes. Finally, you’ll learn how John and Lynn gave back to the pantry that helped them in their time of need. Continue reading
School employees take on child hunger
Public schools offer free or reduced-price meals during the school day to kids who qualify, but it’s not always enough. Many of these kids come home to empty cupboards in the evenings and on weekends. And some kids don’t qualify … Continue reading
Putting food on the table in hard times
On a cold day in February, Sibley Elementary School staff loaded fresh produce, protein and dairy into neighbors’ cars. Among those in line was Emily, a mom to five: a 15-year-old, twin 10-year-olds, and twin 3-year-olds. “They eat a lot … Continue reading
Meet a Food Banker: Jerry
What do you do at the food bank? I’m a truck driver. I drive depot deliveries [which means dropping off food at centralized locations for agency pickup] and Mobile Pantries for the Upper Peninsula. I’m up there usually two or … Continue reading