492,000
neighbors endure food insecurity in our service area
Food insecurity exists in the gap between the government’s poverty level — a measure of absolute deprivation based on a few food staples — and the bare minimum of living expenses; like rent, utilities, medical care and taxes. People survive only by making hard choices between life’s most essential necessities.
How do people cope?
The personal and community consequences of weakened health and poor mental health due to inadequate nutrition are far reaching.
For those struggling with hunger, poor health spirals into lifelong obstacles that perpetuate the cycle of food insecurity and dependence. Nutrition intervention at every stage can alleviate personal and societal burdens caused by inadequate nutrition.
Food insecurity forces impossible choices. It must seem like the only alternative to hunger is cheap empty-calorie foods.
Traditional pantry services usually provide canned and packaged goods. Many households report that nutritious items like dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein sources are unavailable.
It’s happening in our own neighborhoods:
Experience food insecurity in one Muskegon census tract alone.
Provide access to fresh nutritious provisions
Deliver Michigan-sourced produce, protein, and healthy food to the highest-need areas in our 40 counties.Build awareness and preparation skills
Provide food nutrition education, recipe cards, product demonstrations, and cooking supplies.Support fresh food operations
Build the outreach capabilities, facilities and personnel to implement and maintain the program.We will not stand by
while one in six children in our service area is at risk for going hungry and to suffer life-long ills from poor nutrition.
Numbers like these are eye-opening. But for every sum there’s a real child, a family or an elderly person in need. These are your neighbors in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their hunger is as desperately real as their aspirations to self sufficiency. Won’t you help break the spiral of health decline due to hunger and poor nutrition by supporting this bold community initiative?
One person can make the difference.
Dionne Ashley Ford represents the impact one person can make.
Over the years Dionne has adopted and raised 46 children of her own and fostered so many others she has lost count. In speaking about our pantry services, “This is a huge help, this is a beautiful thing,” she said. Dionne is so thankful that despite a painful disability and nine children in the house she volunteers twice a week at the pantry.
It’s been said that heroes are ordinary people with a capacity and willingness to help.
It’s time. Your neighbors need sustenance, education and you.
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