Over 10,000 of our neighbors in the Greater Holland/Zeeland Area are Food Insecure
Even before the recent economic turmoil, far too many of our neighbors were forced to make difficult decisions, like choosing between food or paying for utilities or a needed prescription. Young families and seniors suffer the greatest long run damage, but anyone without sufficient healthy food will struggle to achieve their full potential - in school, at work, in life.
Community Action House has met this growing need as our area’s busiest Food Pantry. We’ve surveyed our guests, and along with them, we’re excited for a better model. A membership approach, where guests contribute a small fee, set based on their income, and in return receive a much enhanced experience - with more healthy options, expanded hours, and lowered stigma.
How It Works
Food Club invites qualifying low-income residents to take ownership and contribute at a level based on their income, offering a highly affordable way for members to invest in their family’s health and future. For a small monthly fee, members get points based on household size to spend as they wish throughout the month.
Proven Model
In 2014, a group of experts in Kent County designed the first-of-a-kind approach to chronic food insecurity, focused on healthy options, dignity, participation, and choice. Our team visited on their first week of operation in early 2015.
We’re working with the same experts, and we’re excited to bring this innovative, high-impact, high-dignity model of service to Holland.
Proven Results
More than 90% of members increased consumption of fruits & vegetables
Fruits & vegetables represent 40% of purchased items
Members report decreasing use of other food programs
Members report increased food & financial security
Come for the food, leave with a plan for progress
We plan to replicate the success of the Grand Rapids prototype, while further enhancing the model with an adjoining ‘Opportunity Hub’. As members shop regularly, this location is ideally suited as a resource hub, providing streamlined access to other services designed to build autonomy and pathways out of poverty. The Opportunity Hub integrates our resource connection, financial empowerment, and homeownership programming. But bigger than simply offering our own services to members - this space is designed to welcome peer organizations who can provide their own services on site as well.
This Opportunity Hub is a streamlined, efficient, one-stop shop for members who are taking action to improve their health, as well as their financial outlook and future.
Community Impact
The Ottawa County Performance Improvement Department has agreed to provide external monitoring and evaluation for this new community initiative.
We will serve 5X more people every month, at less than half of our historic cost per person served.*
Over 1,200 member families, representing 3-4,000+ individuals, will be provided with food and nutrition assistance every single month.
Members will achieve increased food & financial security.
Members will increase consumption of fruits & vegetables, consuming a healthier, more nutritious diet.
*Based on our historic average service numbers and program costs at our Food Pantry.