A number of programs benefit our hunger relief efforts

This summer and fall our community offered tremendous support to individuals suffering from food insecurity in Newaygo County by supporting TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention Programs. Thanks to the generosity of local farmers and gardeners, the annual Plant-a-Row for Hunger campaign brought in an impressive 6,375 lbs. of fresh produce. Families facing food insecurity often struggle to access fresh produce which plays a vital role in ensuring long-term health and well-being.

The local Hay Art contest brought in 7,147 lbs. of much needed food to our Food Pantry. As a part of the Fremont Harvest Festival, local businesses constructed sculptures out of hay and community members voted for their favorites by donating shelf-stable food items, with the winner being the sculpture with the most donated food, by weight. This year’s business winner was Gerber Life Insurance Company with 2,688 lbs., and the residential winner was Phil and Judy Deur. We want to thank the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing this fun, artistic event. Additionally, almost 71,100 lbs of food have been sourced from local businesses and organizations so far this year as part of our Food Rescue efforts.

Local businesses and supporters including Brant Electric LLC, Ceres Solutions Co-op, Ed’s Orchard Market, Elsie’s Ice Cream and Comfort Food, Fremont Area Community Foundation, Fremont Regional Digester, Gene Christofferson, Gerber Collision, Gerber Federal Credit Union, Hesperia Automotive, Hesperia Sport Shop, Larry’s Auto Sales, Main Street Hair Designs, Michael Campeau, Neva Smith, Newaygo Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Services, Nieboer Electric, Outback Auto, RTS Construction Group, LLC, Ryzebol Dairy, Shelby State Bank, Tractor Supply Company, and Unique Family Hair Care were also responsible for donating 4,400 lbs. of meat purchased during the Newaygo County Fair livestock auctions.

On October 6th and 7th, Empty Bowls made a triumphant return to a traditional in-house, sit-down event. Thursday, the event took place at the TrueNorth Service Center in Fremont, and on Friday at the Commission on Aging in White Cloud. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of soups and bread provided by local establishments including The Blind Squirrel and Moon Dance Cafe in Fremont, Old Iron Bar & Grill in Grant, Northern Trails Bar & Grill, and Camp Newaygo’s own Ridge Specialties Catering in Newaygo, and The Shack in White Cloud. Between ticket sales, Stuff the Carts and generous donations, Empty Bowls raised $23,453 in direct support of our Hunger
Prevention Programs.