Parenting, nutrition education at local orgs supported by $2.5K grants
GRAND RAPIDS — A pair of nonprofit organizations have received grants to provide education and resources to families in Ottawa and Allegan counties.
The Michigan Association of Health Plans awarded $2,500 each to Kids’ Food Basket and the Outdoor Discovery Center Network during an event Monday, Oct. 16.
The funding comes from MAHP’s Tackling Health Care Disparities in Michigan Grant Program. It encourages community-based organizations to collaborate and deploy local initiatives aimed at creating better health outcomes and improving health equity.
“MAHP recognizes the important role that Kids’ Food Basket and Outdoor Discovery Center Network play in improving the health outcomes of Michigan children,” said Dominick Pallone, executive director of the MAHP. “We are honored to present these grants to two organizations serving Michigan families and increasing health equity.”
ODC will use the funds for 16 free classes on parenting education during the 2023-24 preschool year, including meals and childcare during the course. Curriculum for the parenting classes is currently in development and will include two of ODC Network’s licensed social workers as educators.
“We understand it’s hard for parents who need additional resources and support to also have childcare so this program will help many families and reduce barriers,” said Heather Bouwman, director of support services at ODC Network. “We’re thankful for the support from MAHP and our community partners that ensure we can offer the support our local families need.”
At KFB, funds will go toward the organization’s urban farming and nutrition education program. Kids’ Food Basket grows and distributes fruits and vegetables on 10 acres of farmland in Holland, providing tens of thousands of servings of fresh produce to under-resourced children and families.
Since July, more than 167,000 servings of produce have been grown at and distributed from the farm.
“Our goal is to ultimately reduce food insecurity and increase food equity in our communities,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, president and founding CEO of Kids’ Food Basket. “And urban farming and nutrition education is a key component of our work. This programming is a powerful tool to providing equitable food solutions.”
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State Rep. Brad Slagh, R-Zeeland, attended the event, saying both organizations are “crucial to our community.”
“I’m proud of Kids’ Food Basket and ODC Network’s missions and thankful for the support from MAHP so that these organizations can serve more families,” he said.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Parenting, nutrition education at local orgs supported by $2.5K grants
