Saying "Yes" to feeding more kids who experience weekend hunger in West Michigan
"One Friday I was discreetly putting the food into the lockers at school when I heard a child’s voice behind me, ‘Are you an angel?’ The question took my breath away and as I looked behind me to see who it was, he continued. ‘You are an angel. Me and my family love the food you give us. Thank you!’ That quickly, he ran down the hallway and out the door for recess. It was then I realized how impactful Hand2Hand is for children who need the hands of the community supporting them.” - Tracy, Volunteer
Saying "Yes" to a hungry Child.
Child weekend hunger is real for approximately 80,000 West Michigan kids. Hunger impacts every aspect of a child’s life. Hand2Hand seeks to improve students’ physical, academic, and social development, and gives kids a greater opportunity to reach their God-given potential.Hunger Impacts Kids...
PHYSICALLY:
- Lower immunity
- More likely to develop chronic
health conditions - Increased illnesses
- Higher hospitalization rates
ACADEMICALLY:
- Struggle to focus in class
- Retain less of teaching
- More likely to fall behind
- More likely to not graduate
SOCIALLY & EMOTIONALLY:
- More likely to express behavioral problems including aggression, anxiety, and depression
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently examined 60 food-insecure children to understand their emotions. The following themes emerged*:
- They worry about their parents’ well-being
- They experience anger, frustration, anxiety, and sadness about not having enough food
- They feel embarrassed about their family’s food situation
- They perceive strain on the family’s dynamics due to food insecurity.
*Feeding America West Michigan
Why is the Hand2Hand
warehouse needed?
To feed more hungry kids: Schools continue to reach out to partner with Hand2Hand. We cannot grow if we do not have space for additional food storage. Hand2Hand currently feeds 8,007 students, ages 3-18, through the school year and extended breaks, equating to approximately 80,070 food items each week, or over 3 million items each school year. Our donated space from Sound Off Signal is appreciated, but the need for more space is required to reach more kids!
We can potentially double in size within five years with our warehouse, adding 200 additional schools to feed and pray for approximately 10,000 more students.
We are asking for your help to reach
$1.9 million
“I don’t know where I’m sleeping this weekend, but at least I have food.” - High School Student
WE DREAM of community connecting packing events, as we reach all students in West Michigan who experience weekend hunger.
WE DREAM about increased efficiency and effectiveness as a team while growing and maintaining Hand2Hand under one roof.
Finally, WE DREAM of training new church partners, growing our volunteer base, and inspiring others as they witness the Hand2Hand miracles and multiplication that God performs.
Donate Online
Give online by going to our Donate page using the dropdown “Hope in Action Capital Campaign". HERE
Check by Mail
Mail donations to Hand2Hand 2900 Baldwin, Hudsonville, MI 49426
Speak to someone directly
please contact Katie: katie@h2hkids.org or Cheri: cheri@h2hkids.org.
See GROWTH & FINANCIALS
2019-2020
“I have witnessed God move through Hope in Action in unimaginable ways over the last 12 years. Hand2Hand has impacted our students, schools, churches, businesses, and individuals throughout West Michigan. Students have been relieved from anxiety, delivered joy and hope, and have experienced love from their community. School staff members have been encouraged, churches have been re-energized, businesses have warmly contributed to serving their communities, and individuals have found passionate purpose.
We need YOU to join us. We cannot meet the needs of our schools and students if we do not have the space to grow and house more food donations and purchases.
Your generous contribution is appreciated and necessary to help us reach our vision. Hand2Hand is at a major crossroads as we strive to end local child weekend hunger. Together we can continue to shine His love and light throughout West Michigan as we put Hope in Action!”
Because a hungry child hurts,
Cheri Honderd,
Founder and Executive Director, Hand2Hand
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Hand2Hand has reached an inflection point in our 11 year journey as we face increasing requests to enter new West Michigan schools. To meet the growing needs of our local students who experience food insecurity, we need to expand operations with increased warehouse and community spaces. As our church partners continue to respond to feeding and praying for their local students over the weekend, we are committed to providing the necessary resources to grow where our community needs us the most.”
Drew Nielsen,
Hand2Hand Board President
Donate Online
Give online by going to our Donate page using the dropdown “Hope in Action Capital Campaign". HERE
Check by Mail
Mail donations to Hand2Hand 2900 Baldwin, Hudsonville, MI 49426
Speak to someone directly
please contact Katie: katie@h2hkids.org or Cheri: cheri@h2hkids.org.