Make A Difference Day: HARVEST CELEBRATION

For more than two decades, USA WEEKEND and Points of Light have joined together to sponsor Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of community service. Points of Light leads thousands of projects each year from coast to coast involving corporations, communities, nonprofit organizations, entire states and individuals.

Make A Difference Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday in October and connects people with opportunities to serve, increases the strength of communities and promotes civic engagement.

The nationwide undertaking includes revitalizing community centers, rehabilitating parks, improving low-income homes, creating community art projects, mentoring, serving meals, developing community gardens and much more.

Locally, we will celebrate Make A Difference Day by kicking off  mini-drives throughout Ionia County. In 2013, the Community Food Network (CFN) will be celebrating it's 5th Anniversary.  It's hard to believe that this group has been through 5 years of planning, planting community gardens, coordinating food drives, and so much more!  This CFN is  coordinating the 5th Annual County-wide Food Drive & will be hosting the Harvest Celebration for all CFN Volunteers!

The Mini-Drive Kick-Off Workshop

When:  October 21st from 4-7pm
Where:  Ionia County Intermediate School District
What:  Pick up resources and supplies, register your mini-drive, get help planning and promoting, and ask your questions to the Ionia County-wide Food Drive Committee.
Mini-Drives can begin October 26th and run through November 22nd!

The Harvest Celebration

When:  October 26th from 5-8pm
Where: H.O. Steele Building on N-66
What:  Attend the volunteer potluck, participate in mini-service projects and workshops, and stick around for the CFN Volunteer Awards!

By coming together to address the problems we all face, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community. For more information regarding Make A Difference Day events, please visit www.ioniahost.com or www.pointsoflight.org/signature-events/make-difference-day

Myths about Food Insecurity

One of the largest myths about Food Insecure Families that is often stated, is that poor people don't want to eat healthy.  Or they would rather eat at fast food establishments then cook something healthy. Here are some basic hunger facts collected about Ionia County:

• 8 out of 10 families eat at home at least 5 times each week making most meals from scratch.
• Low income families often eat "junk food" simply because it is cheaper so you can buy more food.
• 85% of low income families say that eating healthy meals is important to their family!