More than 160 people attended our Million Meal March Awards Luncheon on Thursday, November 1. We were particularly grateful for the chance to honor those who put their time and resources on the line to make our work possible this year.
Access of West Michigan, Old Orchard Brands, Walmart, and Kristi Hekker received awards for excellence in agency partnership, food donations, financial support, and volunteering. We’re sincerely grateful for all that they’ve done for our Food Bank.
The day ended with a call to action. Writer and researcher Ali Benjamin presented two portraits of children living with food insecurity from her Emmy-winning documentary Growing Hope Against Hunger. She reminded us that the well-being of children is a community’s primary responsibility.
Most significantly, the luncheon raised awareness and funds for our Million Meal March campaign. This community has now put over $73,000 toward our goal of sending an additional million meals to families in need throughout West Michigan. Thank you.
There’s more to be done. Visit millionmealmarch.org to find out how you can get involved.
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.
This year, we asked West Michigan to undertake a new effort in the fight against hunger, and West Michigan answered. So far, the Million Meal March has raised over $57,000, and the donations keep coming.
Feeding America West Michigan’s first-ever Million Meal March Trail Hike on Saturday, September 29, was graced with beautiful weather and a joyful atmosphere. More than 200 people showed up at the Food Bank to hike 10 kilometers on the White Pine Trail. Three local bands — Hawks and Owls, Suburban 5&10, and Chinese Baseball — provided the morning’s soundtrack, and The Corner Bar, Country Fresh, and Pepsi supplied the refreshments.
We want to thank everyone who attended, the individuals and families, and the hiking teams from local schools, churches, and businesses that helped us spread the word. For keeping a tight ship behind the scenes, we salute our volunteers, especially the team from Grand Valley State University who arrived bright and early and stayed until the end.
Finally, we want to thank our many sponsors. Your compassion and your generosity have been inspiring to see.
The Million Meal March is a six-month campaign to send an additional 1 million meals to families in need throughout West Michigan. To join the effort, visit MillionMealMarch.org.
Each Saturday from now through March, Cherie Inn will donate $1 to Feeding America West Michigan for every customer who orders Eggs Benedict. That’s equivalent to 4 meals for your hungry neighbors. Stop by this East Hills favorite for breakfast or lunch. View the menu and get directions.
March with us toward a million meals
A couple hours on a wooded trail in late September. Music, hotdogs, all the colors of fall. Good food for West Michigan families in need.
This is the Million Meal March Trail Hike, and it’s kicking off on Sept. 29 with a 10K hike on the White Pine Trail. The mission, taken up by hikers like you, is to raise enough money to send out one million meals in addition to what Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank already distributes.
On top of helping hungry families, the Trail Hike also benefits Friends of the White Pine Trail, caretakers of the state park.
In the 40 Michigan counties we serve, one in six people struggles with hunger. Among children, it’s one in five. Is it really possible for us to meet this need? If we all band together, we can.
The Million Meal March Trail Hike begins at Feeding America West Michigan in Comstock Park (directions). Starting at 9 a.m., participants can register in person, pick up t-shirts and drop off donations prior to the hike, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Water will be provided along the way, Rockford’s Corner Bar will serve
their famous hotdogs at the halfway point in Belmont, and ice cream, courtesy of Country Fresh, will be waiting for hikers back at the Food Bank. Local bands Hawks and Owls, Chinese Baseball and Suburban 5 & 10 will be playing throughout the day.
Stand up and add your strength to the March by signing up at MillionMealMarch.org.
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.
An innovative pizza shop offering locally sourced ingredients, Michigan brews, and an extensive vegan menu, Brick Road Pizza is helping the hungry in West Michigan. Eat at Brick Road between 5 and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, and 15% of your bill will be donated to Feeding America West Michigan. Brick Road Pizza is located at 1017 Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids. You can order ahead by calling 616-719-2409.
A couple hours on a wooded trail in late September. Music, hotdogs, all the colors of fall. Good food for West Michigan families in need.
This is the Million Meal March Trail Hike, and it’s kicking off on Sept. 29 with a 10K hike on the White Pine Trail. The mission, taken up by hikers like you, is to raise enough money to send out one million meals in addition to what Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank already distributes.
On top of helping hungry families, the Trail Hike also benefits Friends of the White Pine Trail, caretakers of the state park.
In the 40 Michigan counties we serve, one in six people struggles with hunger. Among children, it’s one in five. Is it really possible for us to meet this need? If we all band together, we can.
The Million Meal March Trail Hike begins at Feeding America West Michigan in Comstock Park (directions). Starting at 9 a.m., participants can register in person, pick up t-shirts and drop off donations prior to the hike, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Water will be provided along the way, Rockford’s Corner Bar
will serve their famous hotdogs at the halfway point in Belmont, and ice cream, courtesy of Country Fresh, will be waiting for hikers back at the Food Bank. Local bands Hawks and Owls, Chinese Baseball and Suburban 5 & 10 will be playing throughout the day.
