The first crisp mornings of fall in Newaygo County signal more than just the return of school buses on rural roads. For many families, the school year brings relief knowing their children will have consistent access to breakfast and lunch each day. These meals are essential to fight hunger and give kids the energy to learn, grow and thrive.

But hunger doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Weekends, snow days and long holiday breaks leave gaps that place children and families at risk. And as winter approaches, rising heating costs, icy roads and power outages make it even harder for households to keep food on the table. Recent reductions in federal food assistance benefits have only deepened these seasonal struggles, leaving many families with fewer resources just as expenses rise.

Continue reading to learn about how schools, food pantries and local organizations are working together to prevent hunger in Newaygo County.

Hunger Prevention in the Classroom and Beyond

Schools are often the first line of defense in preventing hunger among children. During the academic year, breakfast and lunch programs provide hundreds of thousands of Michigan students with nourishing meals. These meals also support their ability to learn and focus in the classroom. For many children, these meals are the most reliable source of nutrition they receive all day.

But hunger does not end when the dismissal bell rings. Many families in Newaygo County struggle to ensure their children eat during evenings, weekends and school breaks. Local backpack food programs, like TrueNorth’s Weekend PowerPacks, are designed to fill this gap. These programs are more than just a stopgap measure — they are a proactive way to prevent hunger from taking root in the first place.

The Broader Cost of Food Insecurity

According to Feeding America, 1 in 9 people in Michigan — including 1 in 8 children — experience food insecurity. This reality has long-term consequences. Children without regular nutritious meals risk developmental delays, school struggles and long-term health challenges. Preventing school-year hunger means more than meals; it builds the foundation for healthier, more successful futures. Food insecurity also carries an economic cost for communities. Poor health outcomes from inadequate nutrition increase medical expenses, strain health systems, and reduce workforce productivity. Investing in hunger prevention is, in many ways, an investment in community well-being and economic stability.

In Newaygo County, where approximately 16.2% of residents face food insecurity, these school-linked prevention efforts are crucial. Schools and local organizations must collaborate to fill the gap between family resources and children’s nutritional needs.

Preparing Families Before Winter Arrives

Fall is a time of transition — not only in the classroom but also in the community. As the leaves change, families in Newaygo County begin to prepare for the realities of Michigan’s winter. For many, that preparation includes making difficult choices. Heating bills rise just as holiday expenses and other seasonal costs pile up. Families often face the “heat or eat” dilemma: deciding between paying for warmth or putting food on the table.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that food insecurity tends to worsen during colder months as rising winter costs stretch household budgets thin. According to the USDA, households experiencing food insecurity often face trade-offs between food and utilities, particularly during the winter months. In rural Newaygo County, transportation barriers worsen as icy roads and snowstorms hinder access to grocery stores and pantries.

Food pantries and nonprofits are not waiting for the storm to hit — they are preparing now. TrueNorth and local partners stock shelf-stable goods and run mobile distributions to ensure food access during limited travel. Preventive strategies also include encouraging families to create emergency food kits at home, ensuring that basic nutrition is available even if access is temporarily cut off.

These efforts highlight an important shift in perspective: hunger prevention is not simply about responding to empty shelves. It is about anticipating the pressures winter will bring and putting safeguards in place so households are not pushed into crisis.

The Role of Community Support

Community support is at the heart of hunger prevention in Newaygo County. Food pantries, backpack programs and mobile distributions rely heavily on local donations, volunteers and partnerships. Organizations often host events to plant a seed towards ending hunger, not only to raise funds but also raise awareness, reminding neighbors that families experience hunger firsthand, not as an abstract issue.

Community engagement is about more than short-term relief. It fosters a culture of resilience, where families know they can rely on their neighbors and local organizations during times of need. This network of support helps prevent the isolation that accompanies food insecurity, especially in rural areas where resources may be difficult to reach.

Supporting Seniors and Vulnerable Populations

While children are often the focus of hunger prevention conversations, seniors and other vulnerable populations face unique challenges that cannot be overlooked. In Newaygo County, many older adults live on fixed incomes. Rising heating costs, medical expenses and limited mobility make winter a tough season.

According to Feeding America, 5.5 million Americans age 60 and older experienced food insecurity in 2021, highlighting the widespread challenge. In Newaygo County, this reality is felt acutely, where seniors often face the dual burdens of limited income and the difficulties of living in a rural area. Feeding America partners with local organizations to reduce senior hunger by providing direct food support and coordinating wraparound services. These efforts provide meals while tackling aging challenges like transportation barriers, health concerns and social isolation.

By strengthening these supports before winter arrives, local organizations can help ensure that no senior has to choose between staying warm and staying nourished.

Beyond Food: Tackling the Root Causes of Hunger

Hunger is rarely an isolated problem. It is often intertwined with other challenges such as unemployment, housing instability and high energy costs. Preventing hunger in Newaygo County means addressing these root causes head-on.

Programs like emPower, which provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services, play a critical role in this broader prevention strategy. By easing utility costs and the “heat or eat” dilemma, these services help families stretch limited resources further. Housing stability initiatives and transportation support are also essential to ensure families can consistently access food.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, programs that combine food assistance with wraparound support services are the most effective in reducing long-term food insecurity. In Newaygo County, nonprofits, schools and agencies collaborate to build a safety net that prevents hunger.

How You Can Help Build Food Security Before the Storm

Hunger prevention is a community-wide effort. Individuals, businesses and organizations all have a role to play in ensuring Newaygo County families are supported through the school year and into the challenges of winter.

Donating to local food assistance organizations, volunteering time at community events and supporting initiatives like TrueNorth’s Empty Bowls are all ways to make a direct impact. Advocating for stronger public policies that support food security and energy assistance also contributes to long-term solutions. Even small actions — such as checking in on a neighbor or sharing resources — can make a significant difference.

By working together now, before the storm, we can build a stronger, more resilient Newaygo County where every family has the food and resources they need to thrive.

Building Tomorrow’s Food Security Today

Schools, food pantries, community organizations and residents all have a role to play in building food security before the storm. Focusing on prevention ensures children, seniors and families receive lasting support beyond today’s immediate needs.

Together, we can create a community where no one has to face hunger alone.