The Rental Company is excited to have begun its 4th year with the Compassion Connection program! This year, we selected 5 non-profits to help provide in-kind rental donations, funding, and awareness. Through the program, each of our clients has the option to donate 10% of their rental order to a Compassion Connection partner and we discount that amount (cap of $250). It’s a great way for our clients to learn about non-profits in the area while donating at no additional cost to them! Additionally, this program has provided opportunities for our staff members to volunteer. This month we are volunteering at Kids’ Food Basket to pack sack suppers.
Kids’ Food Basket’s mission is to empower communities to attack childhood hunger so that young people can learn and live well. They are the largest organization in West Michigan dedicated to making sure no child goes hungry. KFB provides 7,500 meals every weekday for children living in Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa Counties that experience food insecurity. This allows youth to grow, learn, and succeed in and out of the classroom!
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is defined as, “the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food”. Without sufficient nutrients, a child isn’t able to develop their bodies and minds properly! Having the right food to succeed is something no child should have to go without. By serving kids directly, KFB is making sure students do not have to worry about finding proper nutrition.
As a result, each Sack Supper is filled with a serving of a fruit, vegetable, protein, and a healthy snack, such as a yogurt, granola bar or pack of trail mix per the recommendation of a dietitian. Due to providing core staples of a balanced diet, students are able to stay focused, stay on track, and complete homework without worrying about hunger! Sack Suppers are distributed at school and sent home with students as an evening meal. The program helps round out the daily nutritional requirements in combination with the meal they receive at school.
Kids Helping Kids
Kids’ Food Basket has a mission to help kids in the area overcome hunger! Students across West Michigan are helping KFB attack childhood hunger by volunteering, decorating Sack Supper bags, and hosting food drives. Furthermore, they have found that 33% of all volunteer hours come from youth under the age of 18. Kids’ Food Basket empowers students to help other kids and teaches them the value of proper nutrition along the way!
How You Can Help
Kids’ Food Basket appreciates all of the support their volunteers give toward their mission. Therefore, people of all ages are able to get involved through these opportunities:
- Volunteer on-site by signing up here
- With three different locations, there is sure to be an option that works for you!
- Host a Wish List Drive
- Gather items from the KFB wish list to go toward Sack Suppers.
- Sack Supper Decorating
- Kids love to receive decorated bags! Plan a coloring night with friends or design a few bags while you watch your favorite show on TV. You can also stop into The Rental Company until February 28th to decorate bags in our showroom.
- Other Volunteering Ideas
- Kids’ Food Basket has provided a list of other opportunities. Check them out here!
In addition to all of these wonderful opportunities, you also have the chance to give back at no cost to you. We allow clients to choose a Compassion Connection partner to donate 10% of their order to and receive a discount (up to $250). So don’t forget to donate through your next event! Call The Rental Company for more information about Compassion Connection, Kids’ Food Basket, or planning your event at (616) 396-7300.
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