Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference

Join us for the 15th Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference on February 1, 2014. Register before December 20 and save.

REGISTER HERE

With keynote speaker, John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri Columbia. John Ikerd was raised on a small dairy farm in southwest Missouri and received his BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri. He worked in private industry for a time and spent thirty years in various professorial positions at four different state universities before retiring in early 2000. Since retiring, he spends most of his time writing and speaking on issues related to sustainability. He is the author of five published books and two free on-line books which can be located through his personal website atwww.johnikerd.com.

We're moving to a bigger barn!

Due to the tremendous popularity of this gathering of small farmers and growers, food enthusiasts, homesteaders and engaged eaters, the 2014 conference will be held at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan, just north of Traverse City.

Fore more information visit:  http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=57a7bb1a12446a865a6b99288&id=3a66cd0151&e=9x0gvPR5MG

Here is another conference coming up this spring in Dearborn!

Mark your calendar for March 27-28, 2014! The CHOICES conference keynote speakers, workshops, and networking will inspire you and others who bring nutrition, health and wellness information to Michigan citizens of all ages. It is being held at the Dearborn Inn Marriott. Registration is coming in January and will be announced on this listserv and accessed via the Michigan Nutrition Network website.
   
Keynote Speaker Spotlight: 
Katherine Bishop

Katherine Bishop is a Nutrition Policy Associate at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), one of the country's leading health advocacy organizations specializing in food, nutrition, and obesity prevention.  Ms. Bishop received her BA in political science from the University of Rhode Island, and her MS in nutrition and MPH in public health from Tufts University.

At CSPI, Ms. Bishop works on healthier food choices for public places and previously focused on school food issues. Prior to working at CSPI, she spent four years in the Massachusetts Legislature, as Legislative Aide and Legislative Director to a State Representative. During graduate school Ms. Bishop worked with the Massachusetts Public Health Association and the Nutrition Policy Department at the World Health Organization.

Other Keynote Presentations By:
Roberta Duyff
Renee Wallace and Rick Foster
Carol Phillips
Hoke Wilson
Becky Robinson

Mural Project - Artists Needed!

I hate to post another blog about I'M Kids Food and give CFN Followers the belief that this blog is all about I'M Kids Food.  But lets face it, the ground is covered is this cold, white stuff so there is not alot of gardening going on right now!  And I wanted to make sure you all know about this Mural Project that is taking place for MLK Day of Service!

What we NEED:

Ideas for a colorful and inspiring large-scale mural in our operational facility.

Who we ARE:

I'M Kids Food is a brand new children's feeding program, committed to ending childhood hunger by providing 500 healthy sack dinners Monday-Friday to food insecure children in Ionia and Montcalm Counties.

Mural Contest Guidelines:

If you have an idea for a mural in our small gymnasium at I'M Kids Food, a mural that our community will enjoy for years to come, please email imkidsfood@gmail.com your sketch by January 2, 2014.

Keep in mind the mission of our organization and nature of our program, we are looking for something bright and inspiring for our daily volunteers to enjoy while preparing 500 daily meals.

If your entry is selected, high school students will assist in painting the mural AND your design will be featured on WOTV with Jordan Carson!

Holiday Fun:
So while your enjoying your family time this holiday season, take some time with your kids to get out the art supplies and see who can come up with the most creative mural design.  Choose your favorite to email to imkidsfood@gmail.com OR submit them all!  And watch for a design to be selected after New Year's!

I'M Kids Food - Essay Contest

I'M Kids Food   -  Essay Contest

I’M Kids Food is a brand new feeding program committed to ending childhood hunger in Ionia and Montcalm Counties by providing sack suppers to children 5 days a week. Childhood hunger is an epidemic affecting over 16 million children in this country. Here in Ionia and Montcalm counties there are over 7,600 food insecure children.

The I’M Kids Food Essay Contest, entitled “What Does Hunger Look Like?, encourages students to write about what hunger looks like in their community or through their eyes. This contest is open to both Ionia and Montcalm county students. Essays should be no longer than 750 words.

There are three award divisions:
Grades 3-5 (ages 8-11)
Grades 6-8 (ages 12-14)
Grades 9-12 (15-18) 

Rules:

• Essays will be judged on adherence to the topic, organization, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness.
• One winner will be chosen in each grade/age group. 
• The winning student will be awarded a $10 McDonalds gift card and his or her teacher will receive a $25.00 gift card. 
• In addition winning essays may be published.
• Only one entry per student. 
•  Essay must be sent in no later than December 31, 201 3.

All entries become the property of I’M Kids Food and will not be place winners will be notified by January 10, 2014.

Submit entries electronically to: imkidsfood@gmail.com or submit entries by mail to:

I'M Kids Food
2191 Harwood Road
Ionia, MI 48846

I'M Kids Food: Volunteers Needed

I'M Kids Food feeding program for kids needs volunteers to assemble dinners

Program serves food-insecure children in Ionia and Montcalm counties

I'M Kids Food, a new feeding program servicing food-insecure children in Ionia and Montcalm counties, is seeking volunteers to help assemble ready-to-eat daily dinners.

Groups of five to 10 people who would commit to volunteering one day a month would be ideal, said Americorps VISTA Penny Beeman.

Groups could sign up for one or more of the following shifts:

·         Morning prep from 9-11 a.m.

·         Lunch prep from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

·         Afternoon clean-up from 3-5 p.m.

·         Evening prep from 5-7 p.m.

Volunteers will assemble sack meals at the H.O. Steel Education Center, 10260 S. Sheridan Rd., in Fenwick.

Formed in 2012, I'M Kids Food works to end childhood hunger in the community.

"With Ionia County and Montcalm counties having 3,530 and 4,090 food-insecure children, respectively, we know we have a lot of work to do," Beeman said. "We are confident that, with a strong volunteer base, we can grow from 500 sack dinners to eventually provide meals for all food-insecure children in Ionia and Montcalm counties.

To volunteer, fill out the survey at http://goo.gl/Kb6dt1. For more information, email imkidsfood@gmail.com or call 616-527-4900.

Read more:http://www.sentinel-standard.com/article/20131206/NEWS/131209409/1001/NEWS#ixzz2n5CHoKqc

Volunteers Needed

We are I’M Kids Food, a brand new feeding program servicing food insecure children in Ionia and Montcalm counties. We formed in 2012 with the mission to end childhood hunger in our communities. With Ionia County and Montcalm counties having 3,530 and 4,090 food insecure children, respectively, we know we have a lot of work to do.

We are reaching out to our community to see if groups and organizations are interested in forming volunteers groups to help assemble sack dinners at the H.O. Steel Education Center in Fenwick, Michigan. (10260 South Sheridan Rd., Fenwick, MI  48834)

Ideally, I’M Kids Food is seeking groups of 5-10 people who would commit to volunteering one day a month. Volunteer groups could sign up for one or more of the following shifts:

• Morning Prep from 9:00am-11:00am
• Lunch Prep from 11:00am-3:00pm
• Afternoon Clean Up from 3:00-5:00pm
• Evening Prep from 5:00pm-7:00pm

If you are interested please fill out the volunteer survey at this link: http://goo.gl/Kb6dt1

We are confident that with a strong volunteer base we can grow from 500 sack dinners to eventually provide meals for all food insecure children in Ionia and Montcalm counties.   Please feel free to share this email or the attached PDF with members of your group to generate interest in this new program!  We appreciate your support as we work to end childhood hunger in Ionia and Montcalm counties. 

From the AmeriCorps VISTA Team at Ionia County Intermediate School District

Email:  IMKidsFood@gmail.com

Phone: 616-527-4900

AmeriCorps Members:  Lynda Richter, Margaret Helmer, Pam Hotchkiss, Penny Beeman, Stephanie Sims, Tamice Gates,

Why Michigan is obese

Grand Rapids Press 12/08/2013, Page C01

One of the most obese states, Michigan, is doing something to reduce its ranking

Living (too) large

By Nancy Derringer

Bridge Magazine

Rob St. Mary was already traveling light when he moved to Colorado in March. He sold many of his belongings, including his car, packed his cats and a U-H aul, and set out from Detroit to a job at Aspen Public Radio.

Just a few months into his new life, he is even lighter, having shed nearly 25 pounds of Michigan fat. He isn’t dieting or working out any more than he did in Michigan. But he’s found there’s a reason that Michigan is one of the nation’s fattest states and Colorado is the nation’s slimmest.

“It’s the lifestyle,” he said. “(Michigan) is so tied to the car culture, plus it’s gray all winter long. Here, it snows, but then the sun comes out again, and you go outside.”

St. Mary takes advantage of the admittedly unique amenities of Aspen, a wealthy town of 6,000 yearround residents that swells to 20,000 in winter and summer. He rides a bus to work and around town, or does most of his errands on foot. He has a membership in a bike-share network. Just that level of simple exercise was enough to chip away the pounds.

But even in less-affluent parts of Colorado, a go-out-and-play mindset prevails. Cherie Talbert, a Michigan State graduate who moved to Denver from Grand Rapids eight years ago, said the city’s infrastructure, as well as its 300 days of sunshine a year, encourages outdoor activity.

“The housing is more expensive and you don’t have as much room indoors, but we have huge parks, rec centers, bike trails,” she said. “My husband rides everywhere.”

HARD TO LOSE IT

Why Michigan is obese — why any person or population is obese — isn’t a mystery. We consume far more calories than we burn with activity. But why Michigan is so fat, top-10 in the nation fat, is harder to unpack. Many factors contribute to obesity, including thorny ones like culture and poverty. And even in skinny Colorado, residents are getting fatter. The poor in Colorado, as well as Hispanic adults, have obesity levels at or near the national level, said Susan Motika, of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

And Coloradans who live away from its recreation-mad cities, particularly in the rural eastern parts of the state, have the same problem.

What’s more worrisome, Motika says, is the trend over time. Nearly one-third of Americans are not just overweight, but obese. In Colorado, the percentage more than doubled over 16 years, from 10.3 to 21.4 percent.

Motika and others can point to many factors leading to this growing national spare tire, including but not limited to sprawl (which puts people in cars for longer periods), the fastfood explosion, a decline in home cooking and portion creep. And so the war on obesity takes place on many fronts.

A MITTEN STRATEGY

In Michigan, Dawn Rodman runs the state’s “Health and Wellness 4x4 Plan,” an awareness campaign intended to slim down the state through four active strategies — healthy diet, exercise, annual physicals and avoiding tobacco — while educating residents on four measures of health — body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol level and blood glucose. And, Rodman says, there is good news to report: According to the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a phone survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Michigan’s obesity rate fell slightly in the past year, from 31.3 percent of residents to 31.1 percent.

That was enough to change the state’s national ranking, from fifth fattest to 10th.

Rodman is aware this is hardly cause for celebration, especially when one considers that another 34.6 percent of Michigan residents are considered overweight, with BMIs between 25 and 29.9. That means two-thirds of state residents weigh more than they should. And again, there are many reasons.

“It’s the environments in which we live,” Rodman said. “Are there opportunities to get outside and feel safe to exercise? It’s ‘food deserts’ — if you don’t have a car, you need a grocery within walking or bus distance. It’s where people work. The emphasis (at work) is to do more with less.”

If, say, you’re working so hard that even a 30-minute lunch hour stroll is frowned upon, that’s going to be reflected on the scale, too.

State and local governments, health-care institutions and corporations intercede where they can. The federal Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Acts of 2010 is pushing food served in schools in a healthier direction.

Rodman said SNAP-Ed, the educational arm of the federal food-stamp program, tries to spread more healthconscious cooking skills to recipients.

The Double Up Food Bucks program allows Bridge card holders to get tokens for twice the amount debited, if spent on fruits and vegetables at Michigan farm markets.

But both women emphasize that the effort to slim down the nation takes place at a personal level. For all the attention to policy changes, from banning extra-large sugary drinks to slimming school lunches, the battle is fought in private in homes, at dinner tables, in grocery stores. Motika said that while policy analysts consider ways to provide more access to sidewalks and bike paths, ultimately the decision to live a more healthy life “has to be voluntary.”

And if Michigan can’t import Colorado’s weather or environment, it can adopt some of its ideas, said St. Mary, the Michigan expat.

“Part of the culture (here) is to take a gym break (at work),” he said.

“People say, ‘I’m going to the gym, and I’ll be back in 90 minutes.’ No one would ever do that at any job I worked in Michigan. Maybe it’s part of our shift-worker mentality.”

POUNDS AND PERCENTAGES

The CDC tracks obesity in the United States. In a 2012 data brief, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey puts the U.S.

obesity rate for 2009-10 at 35.7 percent, with some groups well over that — more women than men and more in the 60-plus age group. The child obesity rate was 16.9 percent.

Although obesity is related to poverty, the two don’t correlate perfectly.

A recent Pew Research report found that more well-off African American and Hispanic men were more likely to be obese than their poorer counterparts. Among women, less income translated to a higher obesity rate in all racial groups except Asians.

Asians had the lowest obesity rate overall — just 10.8 percent.

The same Pew report found the public agrees that obesity is a serious public health problem. second only to cancer. However, the people surveyed differed on how it might be addressed, with opposition to most government intervention. The strongest majority — 67 percent — favored requiring chain restaurants to list calorie counts on menus.

Copyright Bridge Magazine, reprinted with permission.

Nancy Nall Derringer is a Bridge staff writer. Bridge Magazine, a publication of The Center for Michigan, produces nonprofit public affairs journalism and is a partner with MLive.

Visit Bridge at bridgemi.com.

Center for Civil Justice

Please donate a tweet or facebook posting in support of child nutrition!

Dear food, nutrition and hunger advocates,

With help of support from the Con Agra Foundation, the Center for Civil Justice recently completed a documentary video on the value of federally-funded school meals (Breakfast, Afterschool and Summer Meals) to children in Michigan, and we need your help to get the word out!

As part of a media campaign we are organizing to promote the video and school meals, you can donate a Tweet, Facebook post or Tumblr post that links to our video. This automatically generated, donated post is part of what is called a "Thunderclap" and you have until Dec 19 to sign up. All donated tweets and posts are all set out simultaneously, the idea being that it will make a loud noise (like a Thunderclap...). We need to at least 100 donated tweets and posts by the 19th for our campaign to be launched and successful, so I am asking for your help in signing up and spread the word!  We are trying to raise awareness among families, community leaders and school administrators about these programs and how to make these meals available!

To join our Thunderclap campaign and donate a tweet or posting, go to https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/7046-let-s-end-childhood-hunger and click the Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook icon for whichever you would like to donate. The Thunderclap website will then ask you to log in with your email/username and password. Once you have logged in, a Tweet or Post will automatically be generated for you on December 19th. The tweet or post will contain a short message ("Let's #EndChildhoodHunger! Every child deserves three meals a day. I support school meal programs.") and a link to our Childhood Nutrition Page. If you have any difficultly signing up or more questions about the program, please contact our Communications Specialist Justin Rumenapp at (989) 755-3120.

To view the documentary video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeVnO7o2VC0  You can also copy and adapt this request to others who you know who might like to participate.

Thanks for your help and participation!

Terri  L. Stangl

Executive Director

Center for Civil Justice

Saginaw and Flint, Michigan

(810) 244-8044 x 305

(989) 295-4269 mobile

(989) 755-3120  - Executive Assistant Nycole Sykes

tstangl@ccj-mi.org

www.ccj-mi.org

To unsubscribe from this list, send an email with "SIGNOFF FOODSPEAK" in the email body to LISTSERV@LIST.MSU.EDU.

Thanksgiving Dinner!

In order to help those who are without family, or other means to afford a classic Thanksgiving Dinner, here is a list of LOCAL organizations offering a FREE dinner to those in need.  This is for those who are in need, or know someone who is.  Pass this on.  All of these listed meals are happening on Thanksgiving Day.  

Saranac Community Association is hosting their third annual free Thanksgiving dinner at 1pm to 3pm at the American Legion Hall in Saranac.

Lakewood United Methodist Church is hosting a free Thanksgiving Dinner at noon at the Fellowship Hall.  Deliveries can be arranged.  Call 269-367-4800 for more information.

Shiloh Community Church is offering a Turkey dinner, free.  If you have questions or need a ride, call 616-761-3584. 

Zion United Methodist Church in Ionia on Washington St. is offering a meal from 2-4pm in their Fellowship Hall. 

Thank you, to these organizations, for going above and beyond to help those in need.  This year has been rough for many families.  It is people like you that make a difference in our communities.  

--

Stephanie Sims
AmeriCorps VISTA

Ionia County ISD - 2191 Harwood Rd. Ionia MI 48846

616-527-4900 ext 1222

If you know of additional community meal for Thanksgiving or would like us to post your Christmas meals, please email the info to iccfoodnetwork@gmail.com.

Food Pantries say Thank YOU!

Ten Agencies split the donations received for the County-wide Food Drive and wish to say THANK YOU to Ionia County for the support received in donations and volunteer hours!

Epic - A Community Church

Manna's Market

Portland First Congregational Church

RAVE

Shiloh Food Pantry

West Berlin Wesleyan Food Pantry

Zion Community Food Pantry

Belding Area Food Pantry

Ionia Nazarene Church

I'M Kids Foods

Nourish to Flourish

CFN Meeting Notes

 

Community Food Network Meeting

Date and Time: November 4, 2013

1:30pm to 3:00pm

Location:  H.O. Steele Educational Building

North 66  between 57  & 44  (10260 S Sheridan Rd., Fenwick, MI  48834)

Attending:  Penny Beeman, Amanda Grescowle, Lynda Richter, Pam Hotchkiss

Committees

• Gardens & Pantry Committee:
• New supplies are being purchased for 2014, if your Garden or Pantry has need please let us know ASAP!
• Watch for the Garden Survey to be sent out in February to sign up as 2014 Garden!
• Awareness & Resource Committee:  
• Mini-Drive Blogging- Please continue sending info about your garden, food pantry or Food Drive to iccfoodnetwork@gmail.com to be added to our blogs!
• Future Website Status- We will be working to purchase a new URL and website for 2014.  Please review the current website now and let us know what parts are most important to KEEP for the new website.  http://www.ioniahost.com/garden/
• Educational Committee:   
• Harvest Celebration Recap-  Thanks to all who attended and the hard work put forth by the planning committee.  This event was enjoyed by all who attended!  Pictures can be viewed on our blog at http://uwmivolunteerconnections.blogspot.com/2013/11/make-difference-day-harvest-celebration.html

• Volunteer Recruitment & Projects:  

County-wide Food Drive

• GenerationOn Mini-grant- most funds have been spent on supplies for Mini-Drives, the National Family Volunteer Day ad on WION Radio (see the video on our blog), and refreshments for volunteers on Nov 22nd & 23rd.  Funds also spent to purchase a $20 Walmart Card and Lamplight Grill Certificates for prizes in the Canned Art Contest.
• Mini-Drive Locations-  There are 26+ locations officially registered as Mini-Drives!  Way to go community champions...KEEP IT UP!  View the MAP
• Canned Art-  If you are planning on submitting an entry, please send an FYI Email to us to let us know how many people are in your group so we can have a GREAT prize package for you if you win!
• National Family Volunteer Day- Volunteers can register in Get CONNECTED or by contacting Penny at Iccfoodnetwork@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

County-wide Food Drive   

Mini-Drives may take place October 26th through November 22nd!

November 22nd - Collection Day at the ISD from 8am-6pm

November 23rd - Food Pantry Pick Up Day Volunteers at 8am, Pantries at 9am

The next meeting will be the on January 6th at 1:30 pm at the H.O. Steele Educational Building

There will not be a meeting in December.  We hope everyone has a great holiday season and look forward to seeing you all next year.

CFN Meeting: Nov 4th

Community Food Network Meeting

Date and Time: November 4, 2013 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Location:  H.O. Steele Educational Building

North 66  between 57  & 44  (10260 S Sheridan Rd., Fenwick, MI  48834)

Committees

Gardens & Pantry Committee:

• Purchases for 2014 including hand tools and composting supplies. 
• Possible funds transfer in VGF grant. 

Awareness & Resource Committee:

• Mini-Drive Blogging 
• Future Website Status 

Educational Committee:

• Harvest Celebration Recap 

Volunteer Recruitment & Projects:

• County-wide Food Drive
• GenerationOn Mini-grant 
• Mini-Drive Locations 
• Canned Art 
• National Family Volunteer Day

Download this agenda in Google Docs

See other Community Food Network Volunteer Needs at Get CONNECTED!

Upcoming Events

County-wide Food Drive  Mini-Drives may take place October 26th through November 22nd! November 22nd - Collection Day at the ISD from 8am-6pm November 23rd - Food Pantry Pick Up Day Volunteers at 8am, Pantries at 9am Sign Up for Volunteer Needs on Get CONNECTED!
The next meeting will be the on January 6th at 1:30 pm at the H.O. Steele Educational Building?

Learn about Volunteering to End Hunger!

Dear Supporter, Thankfully, the shutdown is over. But given the political chaos in our nation’s capital over the past several weeks, I know it can be easy to lose sight of what we’re working for. Between the government shutdown, the Farm Bill, and the ongoing budget battles over cuts to vital anti-hunger programs, it is easy to become disillusioned and frustrated with Washington and our elected officials. However, as you know, the fight against hunger isn’t only happening inside the DC beltway. It’s happening every day in every community across the country. I know we’ve been talking a great deal about the impact Congress is having on our mission—and we will continue to do so—but it’s important to remember that meanwhile, our food banks are hard at work helping to feed your neighbors who are struggling. During these challenging times, our food banks need your help more than ever. So, while the government is stuck in neutral, it’s a great time to volunteer at your local food bank to help fight hunger in your community. We will keep fighting for anti-hunger programs here in Washington, but let’s take a moment to remember what we are fighting for—to ensure that nobody goes hungry in America. So, if you’re like most people and tired of feeling frustrated with Congress, please volunteer at your local food bank and make a big difference in your community. Brett Weisel Director of Advocacy Feeding America Meet Jim, Real Stories of SNAP For more than 40 years, Jim worked as a mechanic. When the economy crashed, business stopped. For rural clients like Jim the challenges of lower levels of education and concentration of low-wage industries can be hard to overcome. Jim knew he needed to apply for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) when after waiting for a customer payment all day - it simply never arrived. Without a cracker in the house he applied for food assistance and is glad he did. He would have had no other way to eat. Meet Jim watch his video and share his story to educate others about how critical SNAP benefits are for hungry Americans. Watch and share Jim's story now» Share this Help Prevent Cuts to Anti-Hunger Programs On November 1, 2013, all SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly know as food stamps) recipients will see a reduction in their benefit levels because of legislation passed by the United States Congress in 2010. Cuts that will equal 1.9 billion meals no longer available to the children, seniors, and disabled that rely on their SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. That is more than half of what the entire Feeding America network will distribute in the entire year! You should also know that Congress is considering adding even larger cuts to SNAP benefit levels and eligibility. Decisions that impact Americans struggling with hunger in your community and across the country are being made right now. Use your voice to help prevent these cuts by telling your members of Congress to protect anti-hunger programs. Tell Congress to protect anti-hunger programs»   76% of SNAP recipient households include a child, elderly person, or disabled person. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, helps over 47 million low-income Americans put food on the table by providing benefits that are timely, targeted, and temporary. Learn how SNAP works and who qualifies for assistance»   Share this We need your help to tell the story of hunger in America and how it’s affecting real people in local communities across the nation. Your story can help change the way people look at hunger and motivate them to join the fight. Please share your story today» Fighting Rural Hunger in the Face of SNAP Cuts - Bob Aiken, Feeding America CEO It may seem like a paradox, but in the land of plenty, more than plenty are in need. In America today, 49 million people struggle with hunger—including 16 million children and 3 million seniors. Your neighbor, coworker or even a close friend may be wondering where they will find their next meal. When cuts are made to federal nutrition programs like SNAP, charities are left to fill the gap. Feeding America does everything it can to make sure no one goes hungry, but charity alone cannot fill the $40 billion hole that could be left if the most recently proposed cuts to SNAP are approved. And the need resulting from SNAP cuts will be particularly hard to fill in rural America. In addition to having disproportionally high rates of hunger and poverty, rural America poses a unique set of challenges in getting food to people in need. Delivery, donation and distribution obstacles abound and the stigma of seeking help is greater. Read more of Bob's article and the challenges our network will face with the pending cuts to federal nutrition programs. Hunger Champion “Living in poverty like conditions at times, it's an issue to me that several of my fellow American citizens are in need of food and nutrition assistance. As a donor, I strive to overcome hunger by donating to Feeding America and in the process end the dilemma of Hunger in America.”   Jorge - Los Angeles, CA HUNGER QUIZ The average monthly SNAP benefit per person provides how much per meal?    Less than $1.50   More than $2.50   Less than $4.50 Local Food Pantries here in Montcalm and Ionia Counties are also looking for volunteers! It is easy to find volunteer needs at United Way Montcalm-Ionia Counties volunteer management website at this direct link to the Community Food Network page. If you don't see something there you can contact a pantry near you.  Use the CFN Google Map to find the closest pantry. View Community Food Network in a larger map Or find additional information at the Community Food Network website!