This post is part of a series of interviews of recipient agencies for the Access of West Michigan 2021 Walk for Good Food. This year, we have 13 in total, each with their own role in creating a thriving Good Food system in West Michigan. Read below to see why Good Food is important to their work, and check out our website at accessofwestmichigan.org/walk to learn more or to walk with us!
AWM: how would you describe your organization — what is your mission and what work do you do towards that mission?
St. Al’s:It is the mission of St. ALPHONSUS Food and Clothing Center to be mindful of Jesus’ command to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, SAFCC provides a non-judgmental, welcoming environment where each persons needs are respectfully met without regard to race, religion, ethnic background or life style.
AWM: why is Good Food important to your organization? How does the Good Food Systems goal (of fair, healthy, green, and affordable food) impact the way that your organization sees its mission or does its work?
St. Al’s: Good Food is important to our organization because we want to be able to live out the command of Jesus to feed the hungry. It is our goal to continue to provide more healthy, green, and accessible food items to those that may not be able to afford it. It is our plan to offer more local fresh produce as well as include a new specialty category for those with specific dietary restrictions. We want to encourage healthy life styles and make sure that everyone can access the foods they need.
AWM: what would you like to see come out of this year’s Walk for Good Food?
St. Al’s: We would like to see more awareness and change in our food system by providing more education and resources.
you can find more information about SECOM on their webpage at stalphonsusgr.org/food-clothing-store.
