Rethinking food assistance: How a grocery-style model transformed community support in Holland
Since opening in 2021, the Food Club & Opportunity Hub has served more than 7,900 local families, providing the equivalent of over 7.5 million meals.
HOLLAND — Five years ago, Community Action House reimagined how food assistance could work in West Michigan.
Instead of handing out prepackaged boxes of canned goods, the Holland-based nonprofit opened a bright, grocery-style center designed around a simple premise: dignity, choice, and consistent access to fresh, healthy food.
Half a decade later, the model has proven to be a cornerstone of regional support.
Since opening in 2021, the Food Club & Opportunity Hub has served more than 7,900 local families, providing the equivalent of over 7.5 million meals. Through a points-based membership model, neighbors walk aisles stocked with fresh produce and healthy staples, selecting the ingredients that fit their families' dietary needs and cultural preferences.
“Five years ago, we took a huge step forward to better meet the needs of our neighbors while prioritizing dignity, participation, and choice,” said Scott Rumpsa, CEO of Community Action House. “Our community helped turn our plans into a powerful new program that has nourished and empowered thousands of neighbors since opening.”
From its inception, the facility was built to offer more than groceries. Recognizing that food insecurity rarely exists in isolation from housing costs, financial stress, or medical challenges, Community Action House co-located its Opportunity Hub within the same building.
While members shop, they can connect directly with resource navigators for housing support, financial wellness coaching, and nutrition education. Over the past five years, the team has provided financial and nutrition training to more than 1,500 participants and made 54,403 referrals to essential community services.
That integrated approach relies heavily on broad regional backing. Powered by more than 3,000 volunteers annually and sustained by local donors, Community Action House — which has served Ottawa and Allegan counties since 1969 — has turned the facility into a community-funded engine for long-term stability.
Looking ahead to the next five years, the organization plans to extend its reach beyond its Paw Paw Drive location. Expansion goals include scaling up its Food Club Mobile Market to serve additional neighborhoods across Ottawa and Allegan counties, as well as deepening partnerships with healthcare providers to integrate healthy food access directly into patient care plans.
“At our five-year mark, we’re proudly celebrating what our community has chosen to do together, and how we’ve become even better equipped to love and serve our neighbors,” Rumpsa said. “We remain deeply grateful for every neighbor who continues to believe in this work by showing up as volunteers, donors, and advocates.”
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