One in five children in Michigan experience hunger, an issue that has become a global epidemic. Kids’ Food Basket is a nonprofit organization serving nearly 7,500 kids each weekday in West Michigan. It hopes to empower communities by attacking childhood hunger, so that young people can learn and live well. Sack Suppers, evening meals that are well-rounded and nutritious, are distributed in classrooms and local parks. Each Sack Supper provides nutrition that’s critical to the development of healthy bodies, including a serving of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein, dairy, and a healthy snack.

One in five children in Michigan experience hunger, an issue that has become a global epidemic. Kids’ Food Basket is a nonprofit organization serving nearly 7,500 kids each weekday in West Michigan. It hopes to empower communities by attacking childhood hunger, so that young people can learn and live well. Sack Suppers, evening meals that are well-rounded and nutritious, are distributed in classrooms and local parks. Each Sack Supper provides nutrition that’s critical to the development of healthy bodies, including a serving of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein, dairy, and a healthy snack. Child hunger can cause delayed development and community instability. Before she joined Kids’ Food Basket and became the Executive Director, Bridget Clark Whitney was not aware of the large number of children living in poverty. Today, over 44,000 children living in the Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties in Michigan don’t know when their next meal is coming. Along with a lack of energy and ability to engage, childhood hunger has devastating effects on brain development. According to the American Psychological Association, if children younger than 12 don’t receive the proper nutrition, they are more likely to develop psychiatric distress and behavioral problems, with the effect on their brains being almost irreparable. Since July 1st, 2016, Kids’ Food Basket has served 948,686 sack suppers with the help of about 250 volunteers per day.

The numerous kids who have benefitted from the work that Kids’ Food Basket send thank you notes and pictures in appreciation. One thank you note:

“Dear KFB,

Thank you for the yummy sack suppers. I love the fruit snack. It is sweet. My favorite is fruit snacks. The crunchy carrots are good too. I wish I could give money to you so more kids could get sacks.

Love, 
Everardo”

As you can see, Kids’ Food Basket has a large impact on those who are served, all because of the hard work and dedication from Britney and her volunteers. Britney states that “From day one, I was 100% committed to this work because I saw both the immense need and the immense impact on a daily basis.” Having over $4.2 million in fundraising, Kids’ Food Basket has shaped many children’s’ lives and will continue to do so.