Rooted in Community | Sept. 2026 Newsletter
One of the greatest privileges of this work is witnessing what happens when a community comes together around a shared purpose.
Every day, I see volunteers welcoming members by name, families filling their carts with healthy food, local farmers sharing the fruits of their labor, and community partners working together to create something bigger than any one organization could accomplish alone. Those everyday moments are a powerful reminder that when a community comes together around a shared purpose, incredible things happen.
Over the past year, we've welcomed more neighbors than ever before. Families are working hard, but rising grocery costs continue to stretch household budgets. In response, we're continuing to grow—not simply to serve more people, but to create more opportunities. Opportunities for children to learn and thrive. Opportunities for families to build healthier lives. Opportunities for older adults to maintain their independence. Opportunities for every neighbor to access healthy food in a welcoming environment where dignity and choice come first.
That commitment is guiding every step we take. Whether someone shops at Lakeshore Food Club in Ludington, visits one of our school-based Food Clubs, receives a weekend backpack through Lakeshore Food 4 Kids, or walks through the doors of our Hart Food Club when it opens this October, our goal remains the same: to meet people where they are and ensure they have the healthy food they need to thrive.
Every healthy choice made, every volunteer shift, every donation, and every partnership is helping build a stronger food system—one that creates lasting opportunities for healthier lives across our region.
Thank you for believing in this work and for being part of this journey. Together, we're doing more than expanding access to healthy food. Together, we're creating opportunities, strengthening our community, and building a healthier future for generations to come.
O'Nealya Gronstal
Executive Director
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