Community Action Agency announces March food distribution schedule
The Ottawa County Community Action Agency, in partnership with local food pantries, announced Tuesday, Feb. 3, a series of distributions throughout March aimed at providing high-protein staples and shelf-stable goods to residents facing food insecurity.
OTTAWA COUNTY — The Ottawa County Community Action Agency, in partnership with local food pantries, announced Tuesday, Feb. 3, distributions in March aimed at providing high-protein staples and shelf-stable goods to residents facing food insecurity.
The initiative seeks to provide access to nutrition as rising grocery costs continue to strain household budgets across West Michigan.
The distributions will include canned salmon, pork, refried beans, rolled oats, apple juice and various canned fruits and dry legumes, according to a news release.
Unlike many federal assistance programs that require extensive paperwork, the OCCAA program allows residents to qualify based on self-reported income, residency and family size. No physical documentation is required at the time of pickup.
There is no advance enrollment or sign-up process.
“Anyone who meets the income guidelines can pick up a food box from a distribution site or pantry. Just show up, answer the qualifying questions, and you’ll leave with food for you and your family,” officials said in the news release.
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A primary distribution event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon Friday, March 27, at Church of the Saviour, 180 N. 68th Ave., Coopersville.
In addition to these specific dates, several area ministries will maintain regular pantry hours throughout the month to accommodate residents:
- Jehovah Jireh Ministries in Hudsonville, 4055 Van Buren St., offers food assistance from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Residents are asked to call 616-209-7688 to schedule an appointment.
- The Salvation Army in Holland, 104 Clover St., provides distribution 1-3:30 p.m. on Mondays, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays, and from 9:30 a.m. to noon Fridays.
- Harvest Stand Ministries in Zeeland, 100 S. Pine St., Ste. 100, offers pantry hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, 1-6 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 9 a.m.-noon on Thursdays. Appointments can be made by calling 616-741-8250.
The program’s inventory includes great northern beans, pinto beans and canned peaches. Organizers noted that the scheduled times and locations are intended to provide broad access across the county for the duration of the month.
For more information and programs, visit miOttawa.org/CAA or call 616-393-4433.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
