Hunger Free Community

In 1982 a group of churches got together to create this wonderful organization called Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes to help stop local hunger in Kalamazoo.  As time went on more congregations joined and the food distribution sites expanded.  What does KLF do?  KLF works with others to provide prepared meal support, senior commodity programs, agency food support, food packs for kids, and other

 community food programs.  KLF is the largest charitable food distribution system in Kalamazoo county.  I have always wanted to become more involved with the community and help people who need it.  I used to volunteer all the time back home in Coloma MI.  I have volunteered for the salvation army and soup kitchen.  I loved the feeling I got from volunteering, it just made me feel like I made a difference in someone's life even if it was just a minor thing.  
I really liked reading about their mission and vision and I especially liked their values : Respect, Diversity & Inclusion, Stewardship & Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration, Urgency, Service.  Also I really value their commitments: To provide

 high quality food, to develop high quality client access and support, to nurture our volunteer base, to market our services and our mission, and to improve our efficiency and effectiveness.  I think it is really important to have commitments like this because yes, the people that they are helping may be less fortunate than us, but they still deserve the best.  

How does KLF work?   Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes works with local partners like the Food Bank of South Central Michigan to procure low-cost foods. This relationship allows them to stretch food dollars further, securing a multitude of food resources at a minimal cost.  I really like writing about KLF because it helped me remember that their still are good people in the world.