Local agency Community Action House was awarded $75,000 in funding through Chick-fil-A’s “True Inspiration Awards,” a nationally competitive grant program that distributes $5 million to innovative nonprofit organizations across the country each year. Nominated by Holland’s Chick-fil-A location, Action House was one of over 2,600 applicants nationwide. After expert review, Community Action House’s proposal was identified as in the top 46 in the nation and top five in the midwest region.

Each of the finalists participated in several rounds of competition, including a voting period where community members could increase the organization’s chances of winning by voting through the Chick-fil-A app. Community Action House, Chick-fil-A of Holland, and the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce partnered in September to encourage participation.

Community Action House plans to use these funds to further expand their services at their recently opened Food Club & Opportunity Hub. This innovative, membership-based model of food assistance promotes healthy food in a welcoming, high-dignity environment that prioritizes enhancing choice and opportunities for the low-income guests who rely on their services. Since opening in October 2021, the Food Club has already served over 2,800 families in need. With inflationary pressures pushing so many more family budgets past the breaking point, they’ve recently seen well over 150 families calling on them for support, every day, six days a week. On average, 7 of these families are brand new guests seeking support for the first time ever, pushing service numbers higher and higher as community needs expand.

“More families than ever are facing impossible decisions between paying for rent, healthcare, and putting food on the table. Thanks to our community’s generous support, we’re able to push our service into high gear and expand our service to meet the increasing need in our community. Every day, families turn to us for the healthy food, support, and partnership that is critical to helping them move forward. We’re grateful for our partners at Chick-fil-A, and their commitment to ‘caring through food’ alongside us!”

-Scott Rumpsa, Community Action House CEO

Chick-fil-A’s funding would allow the Food Club to grow more quickly and provide greater reach to serve more of the 10,000 of our neighbors in our area who struggle with food insecurity. 

“We’re thrilled that Community Action House was selected as a finalist, and that they received this incredible funding to expand their work! I’ve been so impressed with their approach to service, and I’m glad that Chick-fil-A can play a part in supporting such a special place for so many in our community.”

-Shaun Page, Owner/Operator at Chick-fil-A Holland

To learn more about the True Inspiration Awards, visit chick-fil-a.com/true-inspiration-awards. 

About Community Action House

Community Action House is a locally-founded, locally-funded nonprofit with a mission to provide families and individuals with food, clothing, shelter and the opportunity to build necessary skills to achieve a stable and prosperous life. Founded in 1969, the 501(c)3 nonprofit serves the Ottawa and Allegan County community from a base in Holland, offering several programs, including their Food Club, Community Kitchen, Resource Navigation, Financial Wellness & Homeownership, and Homeless Outreach efforts. Learn more and get involved at www.communityactionhouse.org. Food Club is a 2021 expansion of Community Action House’s service offerings. More on the Food Club model can be found at www.hzfoodclub.org.

Contact:

Katy Russner-Travis | katyrt@communityactionhouse.org  |  (616) 392-2368 ext. 140
Community Action House |739 Paw Paw Drive, Holland,MI 49423