Tag: access

Making a difference on a Sunday afternoon stroll

Former executive director of Access of West Michigan celebrates the 40th Annual Hunger Walk by noting how change can happen in the context of a community. Marsha DeHollander is looking forward to joining with her community and being a part of Access 40th Annual Hunger Walk, for the 33rd time. But the Hunger Walk is just one of the many ways Grand Rapids native DeHollander has been involved in promoting a thriving food system. In fact, she was on staff at Access for 25 years. Prior, she helped start the food pantry at her church, Olivet Reformed Church in Grand […]

Feedback concert rocks out against poverty

The 23rd Annual Feedback Concert was a great success in raising a record $3,792 to cultivate equitable solutions to poverty. What do rock’n’roll and food security have to do with each other? On Sunday, April 9, they came together in an entertaining way. On a beautiful Sunday evening, Local Spins hosted the Feedback benefit concert supporting Access of West Michigan at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids. The event featured great music from local bands of The Legal Immigrants, Conrad Shock and The Noise and The Honeytones. The 23rd annual concert also drew in a $5 donation upon entry to […]

40th Hunger Walk isn’t this participant’s first time around the block

Mort Zukerman is one of the many participants in Access of West Michigan’s 40th Annual Hunger Walk. Although, this isn’t his first time. Or second. Zukerman has been walking with and recruiting for the Hunger Walk for 37 years! Since the 1980s, Zukerman, 68, has been participating and encouraging others to raise awareness of food insecurity our communities. As an avid movie buff and leader in the community through the Jewish Film Festival and Cultural Council, he encourages others to get involved in social action. Zukerman has lived in Grand Rapids his entire life, except for some time in Florida. […]

Face the Facts: Food Insecurity

Myth: People can find healthy foods anywhere they live Fact: 30 million Americans lack access to a supermarket within one mile of their home For millions of Americans, biting into a sweet, tasty carrot is not possible every day. Licking the fresh watermelon juice from your chin is only a special treat. In an abundance of healthy foods, people still are left to settle for a bag of chips. In 2013, nearly 30 million Americans did not have access to a grocery store within one mile of their house to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Between 6 and 9 percent […]

Poverty Simulation Staffers make the workshops happen

Our staffers are important here at Access of West Michigan. In preparation for an upcoming Poverty Simulation, volunteer staffers Mary, Cindy, Tom and Rhoeda are busy at work compiling participant packets and organizing materials. The Poverty Simulation is just one of many programs at Access of West Michigan to create solutions to poverty through education and collaboration. The goal in these seminars is to bring awareness of the realities of poverty and to encourage people to get involved. The “Living on the Edge” poverty simulation provides an opportunity for participants to walk in the shoes of someone living in a […]