The Feeding America Food Truck this past year has services greatly increased numbers of food insecure people.
Food Truck Program Chair Coleen Young said in 2022, an approximate average of 80 families per month were handled. In 2023 the families continually increased to the point where the program now averages 130 families each month.
“As a result, we had to ask Feeding America West Michigan to increase the amount of food they send each month,” Young said.
For 2023, the local food truck distributed 59,556 pounds of food.
“Based on the estimated market value of a pound of food ($2.36) we saved roughly $135,197.16 by sourcing the food we distribute through Feeding America West Michigan rather than purchasing the food through a retail store,” she pointed out. “For all this food, the partnering churches (St Therese, St Cyril Methodius, Gun Lake Community, United Church of Wayland) combined contribution was only $5,355.”
She added that the participating chuch congregations are appreciated for financial assistance along with the many volunteers.
“It takes approximately 15-20 people each month to make this project run well. We look forward to working with most of you in again through 2024.”
