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'Biggest blessing'
Food Programs increase response for growing needs
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| Our Food Programs continue to see a steep increase in families looking for help during the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the outbreak began in mid-March, the TrueNorth Food Pantry client base has doubled in daily use and has seen a 7 percent increase in monthly food volume.
Meanwhile, the Feeding America West Michigan food trucks’ use at TrueNorth has increased from an average of 110 households to a record-high 283 households on May 13.
Debra and Bob, a Fremont couple in their 60s, are among the families we serve. The Food Pantry’s curbside pick-up and the now twice-a-month food trucks were needed more by the couple after Bob got laid off from his laser repair tech job.
“We had a much greater need because I can hardly go to the store, even wearing hospital gloves and a mask at all times,” said Debra, who suffers from an autoimmune disease. “It’s been a great thing for us because I pull up where they need me to, and they put the boxes right in the back of my vehicle.”
While the couple has volunteered and donated to our Children’s Christmas Programs, Barb has found it difficult to be on the receiving end.
“I was always a helper, so it was hard for me,” she said. “But it’s been the biggest blessing.”
The TrueNorth Food Pantry is accessible Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The food truck’s next visit at TrueNorth is May 27 at 10 a.m.
You can help by donating because every little bit helps: www.truenorthservices.org/Donate-Now/Donate/Food-Programs.
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Camp Newayhome
Virtual resources deliver Camp Newaygo magic during COVID-19
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| At a time when we cannot gather together in person, Camp Newaygo has stepped up to the challenge by providing free virtual programs for families and friends.
For the past two months, Camp Newayhome’s daily programs have included a song, live from the song block, every Monday to Friday on Facebook. Guest song leaders have included alumni Liz Peterson, and her granddaughter, Mia Peterson, who is on Camp Newaygo’s current summer leadership staff. The songs from the Dining Porch go straight to homes, with many dating to 1926.
“I was a camper and counselor at Camp Newaygo from 1947 to 1953,” Liz said in her Facebook video. “Like Mia, I was a sailing counselor. So, she is following in my footsteps, and I’m very proud of her.”
Viewers tune in to the password-protected programs from all over. Afternoon classes with expert instructors have included Dungeons & Dragons, fencing lessons, cooking demos, at-home science experiments, Spanish immersion, and crafts.
An evening campfire drew a virtual crowd of 50 for an hour of songs, guitars, ukulele, and an unforgettable organ performance from Ethan Neal. With programs like alumni happy hours, scavenger hunt evening programs, and volunteer coffee chats, Camp Newaygo is building community in this time of isolation.
“The thing that makes Camp Newaygo amazing isn’t just the place, it’s the people,” said Jalisa Danhof, Camp Newaygo Director. “To be able to connect from around the world to share our love for camp and our love for one another has been a spark of joy for our community.”
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Plant a Row for Hunger
Locally-grown produce donations to Food Programs reach 19th year
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One way to help the hungry in our community is to grow and donate fresh produce, a food staple that can be elusive for those who are struggling.
The Plant a Row for Hunger program is in its 19th year of bringing fresh vegetables and fruits to Newaygo County households who might otherwise do without.
In 2019, nearly two tons – 3,799 pounds – of produce were donated through Plant a Row for Hunger.
Join us in fighting food insecurity. To take part, plant some produce this spring. In late summer and fall, donate the freshly-picked vegetables and fruits that you harvest to the TrueNorth Food Pantry, 6308 S. Warner Avenue in Fremont. The pantry is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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#GivingTuesdayNow raised $12,341; a huge thanks to all our donors!
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| Community Activities & Events
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