LAKESHORE FOOD CLUB July 2019 Newsletter LOVE. FEED. CONNECT. |
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NEW FOOD CLUB VIDEO Seeing is believing. That's the hope in sharing the new promotional video to our Food Club community and beyond. The staff, Board and Food Club members are incredibly grateful for the supporters who have and continue to sustain the important work happening here. In order to keep this resource well-funded into the future, it's important to show how LFC impacts real families. We thank Mary and her girls for sharing their story. And we invite you to share the video at your club, church or organization and encourage individuals to become part of the LFC community by making a donation. When we all do a little, we can do a lot for our neighbors in need. If you'd like to learn more about showing the video to your organization or group, please contact Sarah McMahon. |
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WALMART + FEEDING AMERICA PARTNERSHIP As many LFC supporters know, the Food Club is an affiliate pantry of Feeding America West Michigan, our regional food bank. Part of what food banks do is 'rescue' food that is still good to eat (but that retailers may be unable to sell for a variety of reasons) and distribute it quickly to individuals in need through pantries. LFC is pleased to be working with Feeding America and our Ludington Walmart in an exciting new partnership. Starting in June the Food Club will be handling food rescue directly - that means food will travel straight from Walmart to LFC. This is a big win for all, as local food excess will be made available to local folks. Big thanks to Walmart and Feeding America for their efforts to feed Mason County. |
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READING = POWER The PoWeR Book Bag program has been a huge hit with children visiting the Food Club. The first time children visit the PoWeR Book Bag area they select a colorful book bag and two books. Inside the bags are two packs of drawing paper, a box of 24 crayons, a finger puppet, bookmark and information on the program. The mission of PoWeR Book Bags is to empower children to play, write and read today for a better tomorrow. The organization was started by Kara Gregory in Suttons Bay. Books are stored at HELP Ministries and Bethany Lutheran oversees sewing of the book bags. The bags are filled once a month at the Lakeshore Resource Network at the PoWeR Book Bag work bee. Food Club volunteer Jacquie Gerould is part of the organizing efforts locally. Please connect with her if you would like to help or if you have new or gently used books to donate. |
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HAPPENINGS Grow A Row continues! Don't forget that fresh, clean and quality produce donations are welcome year-round at LFC. Especially during the warm summer months, remember Lakeshore Food Club when the garden bounty is maybe a bit too bountiful! More information on Grow A Row is available on the website. Stay tuned for more information about fun ways to help LFC in September during Hunger Action Month! |
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WISHLIST July donation focus is condiments. We're thinking barbecues, fresh salads - all the fun and healthy summer foods that taste great with a little something ... extra! Donations may be dropped off any time LFC is open. Click below for the master list of donation inspiration. [August donations focus will be Grow A Row/fresh produce.] | | |
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MEET LYN & BOB MICHELS Since early fall last year, members are greeted with warm and welcoming smiles when Bob and Lyn Michels are volunteering! They regularly volunteer on Saturday mornings and fill in open slots when able. Lyn is part of the Food For Kids Thursday crew that packs weekend food bags for elementary school students in need during the school year. Bob also volunteers on Mondays and picks up the Walmart donation on Fridays. They also helped collect, weigh and transport the food donations from the U.S. Postal Service during “Stamp Out Hunger” in May. Bob and Lyn enjoy their time at the Food Club commenting, “The dignity that we give to members is terrific! People work here for the right reasons.” Lyn and Bob came to Ludington by way of L’Anse (population 2,800) in the UP. They ran a lumber business there for 40 years. Bob and Lyn were used to touring the shoreline of Lake Superior and ventured downstate to visit the Lake Michigan coast. Driving into Ludington they said it felt right to be here. They arrived for good last July. Bob and Lyn are one day closer now to their three children who reside in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Bob also volunteers at the seasonal homeless shelter, provides ministry to patients at Spectrum Hospital through St. Simon Church and recently signed up to assist at HELP Ministries. |
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE During their strategic planning process, the Food Club Board of Directors established the Community Development Committee. It is now up and running. The purpose of the committee is to promote the mission of the Lakeshore Food Club by providing outreach and education to the community, assisting in recruiting volunteers and supporting fundraising efforts. In addition to Sarah and Kate, several Food Club volunteers serve on the committee. The committee is co-chaired by Mel Bradley and Becky Erickson. Members include: Sara Bolan, Sheryl Fielding, Andy Guinan, Kathy Kelley, Karen Kosniewski, Cathy Rybicki and Mary Vree. Take a minute to talk to one of these members to see how you can help! |
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THANKS A MILLION Big shout out to all the LFC volunteers helping out at events like LudRock, joining in to learn more about Pantry Food Safety, implementing creative programs to reduce single-use plastic, helping pick up deliveries, writing content, washing produce, listening compassionately, caring for others, keeping LFC organized and just making it happen. We see you! |
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