Celebrating Three Years of Food Club

Dear friends,

Today, we’re celebrating three years of service at the Food Club & Opportunity Hub! In 2021, our community stepped up with us to reimagine what healthy food access could look like. Thousands of families served, connections made, and meals provided later, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the stories of hope, health, and happiness that neighbors like you make possible.

In the past three years,

All people deserve dignified access to the support they need to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. While traditional food access operations solve emergencies, few solutions exist to meet ongoing needs. In other communities, food is either free at a pantry or full price at the grocery store. In our community, we’ve chosen a different option - sustainable, empowering, and welcoming service so that all of our neighbors can thrive. We couldn’t be more grateful for a community that believes in and powers our efforts by volunteering, donating, and championing our work.

Over the coming year, we’ll continue to grow and refine our service for those in our community who need it most. From strengthening healthcare partnerships to provide medically-tailored offerings for our guests, to expanding food access with our Food Club Mobile Market, to collaborating with Dwelling Place to create high quality, affordable, and accessible housing units in our community - we’re looking ahead with hope and excitement for all that we can accomplish together.

We are a community that leads with compassion. We creatively find solutions, we celebrate success, and our neighbors experience unrelenting kindness and connection. All of our service is made possible by a community that believes in and supports our work - thank you for showing up for the families who need it most.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer

P.S. - We have been incredibly busy, as so many families in our community face increased costs and financial strain. Already, we’re 60% busier than we were two years ago. As a locally-funded nonprofit, we rely on neighbors like you to power our work. If you’re in a position to do so, please keep us in mind for a generous donation as we approach the year end! 

If you've recently given a gift, thank you! Your generosity ensures that we can expand and grow our service for all that turn to us for the food, connection, and support they need to thrive.

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Volunteer your Time and Talents

Sign up for a recurring shift or one-time opportunity with one of our programs.

Give a Gift this Holiday Season

$40 provides healthy Thanksgiving groceries for a family in our community.

Host a Donation Drive

Donations of food and other items directly support our guests.

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Celebrating Three Years at the Food Club & Opportunity Hub!

On October 25, we’ll celebrate three years of service at the Food Club & Opportunity Hub! In 2021, our community stepped up with us to reimagine what healthy food access could look like. Thousands of families served, connections made, and meals provided later, we’re reflecting with gratitude on the stories of hope, health, and happiness that neighbors like you make possible.

All people deserve dignified access to the support they need to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. In other communities, food is either free at a pantry or full price at the grocery store. In our community, we’ve chosen a different option - sustainable, empowering, and welcoming service so that all of our neighbors can thrive. We couldn’t be more grateful for a community that believes in and powers our efforts by volunteering, donating, and championing our work.

Over the coming year, we’ll continue to grow and refine our service for those in our community who need it most. From strengthening healthcare partnerships to provide medically-tailored offerings for our guests, to expanding food access with our Food Club Mobile Market, to collaborating with Dwelling Place to create high quality, affordable, and accessible housing units in our community - we’re looking ahead with hope and excitement for all that we can accomplish together.

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Lynne’s Story

For Lynne* and her family, Food Club has been more than just a place to access food—it’s been a bridge to healthier living and exploring new flavors they previously couldn’t afford. "At Food Club, my family has been able to have access to a lot of new fruits, vegetables, meats, and many other foods we would have otherwise never tried," Lynne shared.

One recent trip to Food Club sparked a special moment for Lynne and her family. While browsing the fresh produce, Lynne noticed several overly ripe mangoes. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, she decided to take them home, freeze them, and turn them into a big batch of mangonada! This delicious frozen treat was more than just a refreshing snack—it became an opportunity for Lynne to show her kids that healthy eating can be delicious too!

We love to see families equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to build a stronger, healthier life! 

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Justin’s Story

When Justin* first connected with Susan, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Specialist, he came looking for resources on how to navigate the complexities of filing taxes. However, when he joined Susan in the Opportunity Hub that day, he became connected to so much more.

While working together to file taxes, Susan learned that Justin had been struggling to access the healthy food he needed to thrive. Recognizing an opportunity to connect Justin to a critical resource, she introduced him to the Food Club and helped him sign up for a membership right away. A few days later during his first trip to Food Club, Justin was thrilled to be able to bring home fresh fruits and vegetables— items he previously struggled to afford. 

Reflecting on the experience, Susan shared “It’s so important to get to know each one of our guests individually. Oftentimes, we’re able to provide a pathway for guests to become connected with more than one service, and it’s encouraging to see our neighbors use every opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.” 

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Wendy’s Story

Before Food Club opened, Wendy* had long relied on our former food pantry to make ends meet. Like so many of our neighbors, she faced tough choices each month, often sacrificing healthy food to prioritize rent, healthcare, transportation, and other essential needs.

When budgets are pushed past the breaking point, healthy food is often the first thing families have to cut. Wendy felt grateful for the support the pantry provided each month, but the ongoing struggle for nutritious food felt endless. 

Since Food Club opened in 2021, Wendy has been a member with us, and shared that she no longer feels forced to choose between nutritious food and other essential needs. By providing reliable access to healthy food at Food Club, we’re not just addressing hunger in our community—we’re empowering our neighbors to move forward with hope and strength. 

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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John’s Story

Longtime volunteer Deb started with Community Action House as a staff member, working at our food pantry and now as a volunteer at Food Club. She’s seen guests make the transition with us, and recently shared a story about a longtime guest who’s already seeing the benefits of a model that emphasizes fresh, healthy food.

John* had long relied on our former food pantry and now shops with us at Food Club. On a recent shopping trip, Deb noticed that John, who struggled to walk independently and needed assistance, was walking and pushing his own cart!

She remarked that he wasn’t in his usual chair, and John was proud to share that in the five months he’s been at Food Club, he is getting around better, feeling healthier, and had lost 50 lbs. He said he’s “never eaten as many fruits and vegetables” as he is now, with Food Club.

Deb reflected that John was proud to share his health improvements, but more than anything, was touched that our team noticed his presence and his progress. This is why we’re here - to build community, provide support, and walk alongside our neighbors on their journey to greater stability. We’re excited that John was also able to utilize the services available in the Opportunity Hub, working with our VITA team for free tax preparation. Our service starts with food but offers so much more, and wouldn’t be possible without your support.

*Name changed for privacy

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Do you remember Alice?

Last year, we shared Alice’s story. After learning that she was at risk for diabetes, Alice* became a Food Club member, hoping she could improve her health through access to the healthy food that she couldn’t afford at the grocery store. Alice took every class she could through our Healthy@Home program, learning cooking techniques to decrease her risk of diabetes. After six months, Alice’s bloodwork showed that she was no longer pre-diabetic

Alice’s story didn’t stop there. As she continued her membership, Alice lost 40lbs, gained energy, and now loves hiking. Her health has improved, and she was able to stop taking blood pressure

medication! Alice credits it all to the food and knowledge she’s gained through Food Club. In the last year, Alice has jumped at every opportunity we offer. Working with a Financial Wellness counselor, she joined our Savings Club to learn about building a budget and savings. More recently, Alice decided to become a Food Club volunteer, and has befriended guests, volunteers, and staff - sharing with our team that she’s never seen “such loving kindness in an organization as a whole.”

*Name and photo changed for privacy

The Holland Sentinel: Hunger Action Month

Last month, during Hunger Action Month, we called on our community to nourish our neighbors by volunteering, donating, or hosting a food drive with us. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed time, resources, and energy and joined us in building a stronger, healthier community!

In their article, our friends at The Holland Sentinel highlighted the challenges over 32,000 of our neighbors are facing to access the nourishment they need, and how the need for collaborative community solutions is more present than ever. They shared how it takes the work of our entire community to make stories like Alice’s possible – a guest who is no longer at risk for diabetes since having access to healthy food options and resources to build a brighter future!  

We were thrilled to be featured in the Holland Sentinel's article. The piece highlights the impact our community can have when we work together, and we're grateful for the recognition. 

You can read the full article here: Here's how to help your Holland neighbors during September's Hunger Action Month.

Lakeshore Food Rescue: Listen in on WHTC

Community Action House team members Chara (Food Access Program Manager) and Aubree (Food Rescue Specialist) joined Gary Steven’s on WHTC’s Talk of the Town last month.

Listen in for an update on Food Club, our Food Rescue efforts, and how you can help power the movement to build a stronger, healthier community.