Food insecurity refers to when someone isn’t sure they have enough food for themselves or their family, for the day/week, etc. We have lots of issues with this in our area, more than we probably suspect. Resources do exist, but it is important to get the word out. 

Food pantries lead the way in this regard, and many have restrictions as to a family’s geographic location and so forth (must be close to the pantry). There are many issues related to quality food: Pantries largely have packaged and processed food. This leads to continuing health issues with the folks partaking in the pantry. A key goal is to get more produce and meat available, healthier choices. 

Much food available at local farms and orchards that goes un-harvested for a variety of reasons. Some local farmers markets offering ‘double up food bucks’ for bridge cards and such; will match a bridge card with same amount of produce. They are also hoping to get local grocers to donate more quality food and pantries to allow more visits.

In order to achieve the objective of zero food insecurity requires a strong community of partners working together: services clubs (Rotary, etc.), grocers, farmers, and so forth. To help move this initiative forward they are starting a Food Security Council to hopefully bring these all together, with Rotary and Goodwill Charities leading the way. 

Kris announced the Healthy Harvest initiative to visit farms to gather overage from local harvests and distribute to pantries. To volunteer, please visit the Goodwill website has info: http://www.goodwillnmi.org/healthy-harvest/