GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Kids' Food Basket hopes to collect 100,000 decorated paper bags in October for its Sack Supper and Weekend Meal programs.
The programs provide 10,000 evening meals each weekday for children in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan and Muskegon counties. Eastbrook Homes is one of the project partners.
Here is more information from a KFB news release:
"Eastbrook Homes is honored to partner with Kid's Food Basket as we continue to humbly invest to help create and strengthen long-lasting roots in our local schools and communities," said Josh McGraw, VP of Sales and Marketing at Eastbrook Homes.
"We care deeply about the health of our communities, and that starts with doing our part to make sure each child has access to nutritious meals. Our employees also love participating in Brown Bag Decorating Month, as it's a simple way to add a little joy to a child's day. Taking time to draw a fun picture or write a cute and loving phrase not only brings joy to the kids who receive it, but also to our employees. We hope that more people can learn about this great organization and mission; we are grateful for all that Kid's Food Basket does and provides for those in need."
Everyone, regardless of age or artistic ability, is encouraged to join the fun! To start, you’ll need:
· Brown or white 4, 6, 8 lb. or extra-large size brown or white paper sacks.
· Crayons or markers.
What to skip:
· Avoid using paint, glitter, feathers or stickers, as they can come off in food packed that will be packed into bags.
Please keep in mind that many Sack Suppers will be going to public schools and therefore cannot contain religious or political messages.
“When kids are reminded that they are cared for through something like a decorated bag, it adds to their feeling of safety and security, which we know is necessary for learning and development,” said KFB President and Founding CEO Bridget Clark Whitney. “We constantly hear that when Sack Suppers arrive, the first thing that kids check for is whether they are decorated. Whether the decoration is a punny joke, a flower or a cartoon, each decorated bag can brighten a child’s day.”
Community members can drop off or mail in decorated bags to any of KFB’s three locations during open hours:
Kent County
1300 Plymouth Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ottawa and Allegan Counties
652 Hastings Ave., Holland, MI 49423
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Muskegon County
1537 S. Getty St., Muskegon, MI 49442
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, please visit the KFB’s Brown Bag Decorating webpage.
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About Kids’ Food Basket
Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) was founded to nourish children to reach their full potential. We are a community-based food equity nonprofit serving our West Michigan neighbors in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties who are under-resourced and impacted by poverty and food insecurity. Our services include our flagship Sack Supper program, sustainable farming, community food distribution and educational programming.
Kids’ Food Basket is now serving about 10,000 evening meals to 60 schools in four counties each weekday. We work toward a future in which all children have access to the nourishment that fosters their lifelong health and limitless potential.
To learn more about KFB’s programs, services and how you can make a difference, please visit kidsfoodbasket.org.
Photo: Source: Kids' Food Basket
Photo: Source: Kids' Food Basket