As KFB’s work in Grand Rapids grew, serving 35 sites and over 4,800 children daily, the organization became aware of acute needs in neighboring communities. In its first ever reach outside of Grand Rapids, Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) is launching a satellite location at Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School in Muskegon Heights.
“KFB is excited to be collaborating with the United Way of the Lakeshore, the Community Foundation
for Muskegon County, the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District and Muskegon Central United Methodist Church to provide sack suppers to children at Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School,” explains Bridget Clark Whitney, KFB executive director.
One in four children in Michigan lives in food-insecure households, not knowing where their next meal might come from. Areas like the Muskegon Heights district of Muskegon County experience vast food insecurity, with more than 90 percent of students living at or near the poverty level.
With that knowledge, KFB stretched its program and will provide 500 children by Fall 2012 with a nutritious sack supper. They are currently packing brown bag suppers at Muskegon Central United Methodist Church and have future plans to expand the outreach to other area elementary schools with similar needs.
“No one wants to think about a child going home uncertain about what may be for dinner. Our volunteers were also excited to be able to bring something positive to the students in Muskegon Heights. This program has the potential to impact their education and health, which are so key to a child’s success in life,” says Lisa Tyler, VP of community impact for United Way of the Lakeshore and one of KFB’s partners. “Our focus is on education, income and health, because we know they are the building blocks for a good life. This program addresses all three and we are enthusiastic for it to begin.”
“The dinners we provide will not only be making an impact on the students, but also the future of Muskegon County,” says Clark Whitney. “The children we provide dinner to today will be the community members of tomorrow, so ensuring they receive quality food for proper brain and physical development is essential for community development. This is a great community endeavor and we hope that the Muskegon County community will participate by volunteering, holding a food drive or supporting KFB’s Campaign for Muskegon County.”
Here’s where you can help – even if you don’t reside in Muskegon. Get involved with these opportunities and help put the good back in do-gooder:
Source: Bridget Clark Whitney, Kids’ Food Basket; Lisa Tyler, United Way of the Lakeshore
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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