No Child Should Go Hungry - Hand2Hand Ministry
Carley Byron
Even though Hillside has been supporting this ministry for awhile, many of you may be asking - “What is Hand2Hand?” Hand2Hand partners with local churches and schools to provide a backpack filled with supplemental food that bridges the gap of weekend hunger. Food sent home consists of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner items, often sent home with a recipe card included. The program nourishes more than physical needs. It provides consistency, love, and demonstrates to all within a home that people do care. And ultimately, that God cares.
We are regularly met with emails and conversations from food coordinators at other area churches, and parents and school staff sharing without a blessing Hand2Hand has been for so many in our community. Shared below are just two of the many stories we’ve heard about those blessings and how they are directly impacting others:
One of our food coordinators was checking out a large order at the Aldi store on 54th and Clyde Park and the cashier was asking my friend what all of this food was for. My friend explained to her that she works with an organization called Hand2Hand and talked about how people in the community come together and pack weekend food bags for kinds in our local schools. Tears instantly came to the cashier’s eyes as she shared with my friend that her family was one of those families that feels cared for through Hand2Hand. Her kids attend Townline Elementary in Kentwood.
- Hand2Hand Food Coordinator
I love to cook the food in my backpack for my brothers. Each week is something new and we love to share the items in the backpack.
- Anonymous 1st grader at Townline Elementary
As seen through these two testimonials, we provide that food and security for students over the weekend. Students in the Kentwood Public School District are some of the lowest income students in Kent County - the ones that really struggle with the food insecurity and challenges that we don’t even see or think of on a daily basis.
Childhood hunger is very real. If I hadn’t seen it and experienced it with my own eyes, it would be difficult to believe. Behind closed doors, there are many homes in our community where refrigerators and cupboards are bare. Childhood hunger is a ‘silent thief’ that people don’t like to talk about. It robs our children of intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development. With the dedicated and passionate efforts of the Hand2Hand organization walking alongside of schools, Hand2Hand is committed to ensure that no child ini our community goes hungry.
- Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent
This year we continue to see the need for Hand2Hand at Townline and are asking for the continued support of Hillside. Many hands make light work and with Hand2Hand we can help bridge the childhood hunger gap one weekend at a time.
If you would like to learn more information about Hand2Hand or help support the ministry, please contact the church office.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” – Matthew 25:35a