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But in every generation, a few people manage to start enormous waves of change – and sometimes even to turn the tide against long-term problems. John Arnold was one of those people. As our executive director for 21 years, John was the driving force behind developing a food bank that would do more to help the hungry than almost anyone could have imagined. Today, as a direct result of John’s vision and energy, Feeding America West Michigan reaches more than 100,000 households in 40 counties. His model of rescuing good food and having those who need it choose what they could use has become the standard around the country. His vision of mobile food trucks providing perishable goods directly to communities has been duplicated in more than 100 food banks around the country. Please join us on Saturday, May 19, to celebrate John’s legacy – and follow in his footsteps – by visiting and volunteering during the John Arnold Day of Service at Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank’s main warehouse, 864 West River Center Drive in Comstock Park, just north of Grand Rapids. Get directions. At 8 a.m., the food bank welcomes visitors to share memories and enjoy refreshments with the staff, take self-guided tours of the warehouse and volunteer by sorting donations in our reclamation department. At 11 a.m., a hawthorn tree, provided by Rooks Landscaping, will be planted in John’s honor outside the food bank. Finally, the John Arnold Memorial Bike Ride will depart from the food bank at 12:30 p.m. This 15-mile trip to Rockford and back along the White Pine Trail includes a stop for lunch at Arnie’s. Email Andrew Steiner to sign up for the ride. Creekside Garden Center and Fruit Basket Flowerland have donated packets of flower seeds to serve as a reminder of John’s life of service. There is no minimum time commitment. Visitors are encouraged to drop in any time from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
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| How we can all end hunger together | |
| It’s shocking, how many West Michigan families don’t know where their next meal will come from. But it’s amazing, what a big difference you make when you join Feeding America West Michigan – and thousands of farmers, manufacturers, grocers, restaurateurs and other committed citizens – in saving surplus food from landfills and sending it where it’s needed to feed the hungry. Ever wondered what you can do about hunger? This 4-minute video shows how a little help from you can make maximum change. | |
