6 Ways to Share Meals with Families in Michigan this Holiday Season

Sharing Meals

You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but what about Giving Tuesday? Unlike the other two days where you are encouraged to spend, Giving Tuesday is about, well, giving.

Sharing Meals

Although there are many wonderful organizations in our communities that provide valuable services to those that live among them, I thought it would be nice to highlight a few here in Michigan that work diligently to make sure individuals and families have access to foods necessary for good health.

Everyone should have access to quality foods and I’m incredibly grateful that so many organization exist to meet that need.

If you are looking to give today, tomorrow or any time of year, I hope you will consider supporting these organizations or organizations like these where you live.

Community Compassion Network – fighting hunger in Mt. Pleasant, MI and Isabella County 

From mobile food pantries to after school nutrition programs, Community Compassion Network is a non-profit organization located in the heart of my city. It’s volunteers worked diligently last year to provide over 308,000 meals to families and individuals in Isabella County! At an average cost of $0.09 per meal, just imagine how far even $10 would go.

Anna’s Table – gathering young mothers and their children around the table in Grand Rapids, MI 

This non-profit is incredibly unique in that its not just about the food. Instead, its about coming together around the table to eat, pray, and love each other. Each young family gets a meal, diapers, formula, and a bus pass home.

Currently, this ministry needs more space because they are growing! Just check out this picture! I hope you’ll consider supporting Lisa, the woman behind this ministry, and the great work she is doing.

Food Gatherers – alleviating hunger in Ann Arbor, MI and Washtenaw County 

This program makes sure good food doesn’t go to waste. Rescuing food from more than 300 local sources, Food Gatherers makes it possible for other organizations to have access to more nutritious food. It’s Michigan’s first food rescue program and your gift can help maximize its efforts to increase the availability of nutrient-rich foods.

Plus, gifts given between November 29th and December 4th will be matched to double the impact! 

Isabella County Soup Kitchen – serving free meals daily in Mt. Pleasant, MI 

When you walk through the soup kitchen doors, you can expect a warm atmosphere and a warm meal. These meals are provided unconditionally throughout the year. Right now, you can support the Isabella County Soup Kitchen by participating in their annual fundraiser. A gift of $50 would provide breakfast and lunch for two weeks.

SECOM Resource Center – giving help and hope to families in Grand Rapids, MI and Kent County

There’s more than just food provided through the SECOM Resource Center. From cooking classes to its innovative Farm to Family project, supporting this organization ensures that individuals not only receive the food they need now, but are equipped with the education they need to make positive food choices in the future.

Feeding America West Michigan – ensuring safe food is available to individuals in 40 counties across Michigan

In 2015, Feeding America West Michigan provided over 22 million meals across the Western part of the state. For every dollar donated, 4 meals are provided to those in need. Foods are distributed through food pantries, after school programs, and other anti-hunger agencies in 40 Michigan counties. It’s another great place to share a meal at a fraction of what it probably costs you to eat even one meal at home.

This list was created in collaboration with my friends and family who shared their favorite organizations with me on Facebook. If you have additional information on organizations that help feed our local communities, I hope you will share those with us on my Facebook page.