Like many people across the country, Thelma has found it difficult to afford enough food for herself and her family during the pandemic. She was laid off, and then the factory where she worked completely shut down. She hasn’t found … Continue reading
Hunger Blog
Still in need one year later: Zeeland Mobile Pantries help families affected by the pandemic
Marie’s car was full when she arrived at a Mobile Pantry in Zeeland this month. She’d driven her daughter Penny and 93-year-old neighbor Phyllis to the food distribution, since both were in need but lacked transportation. Along for the ride … Continue reading
Myth: Neighbors facing hunger always need help
According to the USDA ERS, before the pandemic, someone who faced hunger in any given year only did so for an average of seven months. And 94 percent of neighbors who faced hunger in a given year no longer needed … Continue reading
Small town rallies to serve neighbors through Marcy’s Pantry
To call Curtis remote is an understatement. Surrounded by three lakes, the Mackinac County town is at least a half-hour drive to the nearest grocery store, which makes it difficult for year-long residents to access enough healthy food on a … Continue reading
Fresh Start provides tools to help families make the most of food assistance
Kids who don’t eat enough healthy food start life at a disadvantage. They’re at higher risk of disease, repeating a grade and developmental impairments — such as language or motor skills. That’s why many schools run Feeding America West Michigan … Continue reading
Not low-income enough: “In-between” neighbors get help at Mobile Pantries
On a cold, clear day in January, neighbors from all walks of life lined up to receive food at Carson City Elementary School. Among them was a school employee who preferred to stay anonymous. Before last summer, she’d never attended … Continue reading