GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A 'Go Orange' campaign to raise awareness about childhood hunger has kicked off in West Michigan.
Kids' Food Basket (KFB) and PNC Bank are leading the month-long effort in March that challenges the community to get involved to nourish kids to reach their full potential through donations, and by participating in community events and activities.
In addition to its community food distribution and education programs, KFB serves about 10,000 evening meals to 60 schools in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties
Here are more details from the KFB news release:
“For eight years, PNC has teamed up with Kids’ Food Basket to support Go Orange month,” said Sean Welsh, PNC regional president for Western Michigan. “To show our support, PNC employees will be volunteering at Kids’ Food Basket locations in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties and raising awareness of childhood hunger by wearing orange Friday, March 22. I encourage everyone in our community to Go Orange and join us!”
All month long, local businesses and organizations, such as Fifth Wheel Freight, Koeze, Quality Tool and Stamping and Redwater, will engage in a friendly competition by participating in activities that break down the barriers to food equity in West Michigan, such as decorating bags, advocating online and creating their own fundraising events.
Local schools will also participate in KFB Week from March 11 to 15, when students will learn about food insecurity and be connected to immediate actions, such as Wish List drives, that that can make a difference.
Everyone can get involved in Go Orange. Round up your bill at a participating business, decorate brown bags or schedule a volunteer shift at one of KFB’s three locations in Kent, Muskegon or Ottawa counties.
“Food insecurity is rising nationwide, and the cost of healthy food has continued to increase,” said Tamara VanderArk-Potter, vice president of Philanthropy at Kids’ Food Basket. “Together, we can do something about it. In March, we invite our community to take action to increase food access for kids right here in West Michigan.”
The public is encouraged to join KFB at each of its three locations on the following dates for fun volunteer activities like brown bag decorating and trail mix making. Refreshments will be provided:
KFB – Ottawa + Allegan
March 20, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
652 Hastings Ave.
Holland, MI 49423
KFB – Kent County
March 22, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
1300 Plymouth Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
KFB – Muskegon County
March 22, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
1537 Getty St.
Muskegon, MI 49442
To learn more and get involved, visit Go Orange - Kids Food Basket
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