Poverty, Partnerships and People

Fresh fruits and vegetables just aren't in the budget.

People in poverty, simply earn less, and therefore spend less.  According to the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, about 13,470 people in the region did not fully participate in the local economy due to poverty.  Most of these people are many other low-income people in our region have difficulty paying for the food they need.  People in need often face difficult choices between competing demands for their limited funds, such as paying a utility bill versus buying groceries.  In our region, people in need may turn to about 35 food pantries and community meals programs for food.  In fact, these community service groups have been providing for a rapidly increasing number of visitors in recent years, including over 128,000 in 2006 alone.  The following is a brief description of such community services programs.  

Randy Burgess of the Faith Reformed Church says, "what an exciting time it is when things seem to come together".  Mr Burgess described the program in this way.

Girl Scouts from Troop 60 serve a community meal at Faith Reformed Church.

The need for a community meal on Thursday evenings was obvious.  Early in 2006 we realized we had the location and facility.  When the volunteers came forward and the leadership of Faith Reformed Church said "go", we did just that, launching on March 2, 2006.  That first night we served dinner to 17 people.  In our first year we have served over 2,400.

It has been a wonderful year of collaboration - several restaurants have provided meals, and a number of small groups from our church have done the same.  On the other nights our team has cooked a home-style meal.  Another wonderful partner for us in this project has been the Fresh Food Partnership.  We are so grateful for the work that they do in helping to bring fresh food to the table.  I suspect that many we serve have deficiencies in this area and we know that good eating promotes good health.  It is our desire to not only serve, but to serve well, and our partnership with FFP simply helps us to do that.  I wish we could take credit for their idea.  Since we can't the next best thing is to partner with them and that we do enthusiastically.

Another important community service helping people in need is the Grand Traverse Baby Pantry. This pantry provides food, clothing and special items to the families of infants and toddlers in Grand Traverse County that are in need.  According to Sally Hanley, their mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by intervening early and providing assistance to help families obtain basic needs and resources. 

The nurturing and supportive environment of the Grand Traverse Baby Pantry, located in the basement of the Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, has recently begun working with the Fresh Food Partnership to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to these families in need.  FFP has helped the GT Baby Pantry supports its mission by enhancing the availability and accessibility of local eggs, fruits, and vegetables. 

The GT Baby Pantry, in honor of the Month (April) of the Young Child has begun a diaper drive.  Disposable diapers may be dropped off at Any TCAPS elementary school, St. Francis Catholic Church, MSU Extension, Northwest Michigan Human Services, Cedar Run Eye Center, Tom's, Oleson's, Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, Glen's, and Ric's.

For more information on food pantries, shelters and community meals programs and how you can help, please contact the Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency.