Patrick Moran | President - Greater Ottawa County United Way

“You’ve no doubt heard me make a case for serving ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) in our community. The cost of living has dramatically outpaced wage growth for ALICE, even though many of our employers have worked hard to increase wages. We need to also come alongside them with programs and services that address the particular challenges they face. This Food Club model is perfectly designed to serve ALICE with dignity, choice, and efficiency. United Way has long partnered with Community Action House’s food security efforts, and we look forward to serving ALICE together in the years to come.”

Patrick Cisler | Executive Director - Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance & Community SPOKE

“Leading a membership-based organization serving over 150 nonprofits in the greater Holland area, I have a unique perspective in seeing how new initiatives may fit. I can confidently state that this new initiative is in response to a clear community need and fills a gap in our current service. Moreover, this approach is the sort of innovation we seek - one that serves at scale while enhancing the dignity, participation, and choice of people in need.” 

Keith Van Beek | City Manager - City of Holland, MI

“I’m glad to hear this Food Club initiative is happening. With my prior experience at Ottawa County and current work with United Way, this is meeting a clear need of many of our city’s residents as well of those in the surrounding region. With the guidance of Ottawa Food and the county Health Department, we’re confident that this big initiative to address food insecurity and health will create a stronger community foundation so all can reach their potential.”

Lisa Uganski | Coordinator - Ottawa Food

“At the Ottawa County Department of Public Health, Ottawa Food represents the efforts of over 45 local agencies and individuals focused on increasing access to healthy, local, and affordable food choices in Ottawa County. We’ve long championed a Food Club for Ottawa County, and look forward to working with Community Action House to make this a reality.”

Ken Estelle | President & CEO - Feeding America West Michigan

“As a founding partner of the Community Food Club of Grand Rapids, I have seen the tremendous success of this innovative model. I believe this model will continue to replicate, and I’m proud to be serving on the advisory board of this important effort to plant a Food Club in Ottawa County.”

David Knibbe | President & CEO - Evergreen Commons

“Working alongside older adults in our community, we know many struggle on fixed incomes below the poverty line – often staying away from traditional assistance programs because of the stigma attached to them. The Food Club approach offers participation and choice in a dignified environment. I believe this will be of great assistance to many of our older neighbors, and am glad to be a part of the advisory board guiding this new initiative." 

Caroline Geist | Director - Ottawa Community Schools Network

“Working with a growing network of Community Schools to ensure all students have the resources they need to learn and thrive, I know firsthand what food insecurity means to our community’s children. The Food Club model has the potential to serve many of the 6,000+ students in the greater Holland/Zeeland area who are relying on free lunch programs. Imagine if each of these families was able to regularly put healthy food on the table for their children at home!” 

Afton DeVos | Chief Operating Officer - Kids’ Food Basket

“We know that healthy food is essential for children and families to be their best. We believe bringing a Food Club to Holland would be a complimentary service to ours, and a big win for so many families in the surrounding school districts.”

Drew Peirce | Executive Director - Good Samaritan Ministries

“In our work to house and help our most vulnerable neighbors, we know that having immediate needs met is essential. Many of our clients need food, and need it now.  That’s why we have collaborated with Community Action House for decades, and why we are so thrilled by this creative and empowering new initiative.”