Generous Hands

History

The Power Pack Program gets a new name, The Power Pack Program

The Power Pack Program will still provide the same awesome services, but we are changing the name to be mindful of the changing needs of our clients.

History of the program piloted in 2004 at Sunset Lake Elementary School in Vicksburg, Michigan, provides backpacks of food each Friday to children at risk of hunger over the weekends. Children who suffer from hunger can experience serious health problems, including impaired cognitive development, stunted physical growth, physical weakness, and anemia. Lack of food can also profoundly affect childrens' academic performance. The power packs have been so effective in meeting this need that we are now in all six schools in the Vicksburg District. We have consulted with several other school districts (Kalamazoo, Mattawan, Schoolcraft, Parchment, Colon, Centreville and Paramount Charter Academy) and assisted them in creating their own programs. As other schools express interest, we will assist as resources allow.

What began as an operation which functioned from a closet-sized room at Sunset Lake Elementary has now expanded to a program which serves over 300 Vicksburg children weekly. Hundreds of community volunteers are involved. The grassroots support by the community of Vicksburg and the Greater Kalamazoo area enabled us to win a 2006 Star Award for Community Service as well as the American Humanics Student Association of Western Michigan University award for the Best Emerging Non-Profit Organization of 2006.

How the
program
works

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Generous Hands, Inc. is able to obtain nutritious, low-cost food from Loaves & Fishes and South Michigan Food Bank. Volunteers staff our warehouse at 606 N. Spruce Street, Vicksburg, Michigan. Each week, a variety of kid-friendly foods are placed in plastic grocery sacks which are then distributed at Generous Hands. Children are confidentially recommended by the staff at their school. A parent information packet is sent home, including a permission slip. 

Families pick up their packs at the GH warehouse each week during distribution hours, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00am to Noon. During the summer, families are offered the opportunity to continue receiving Friday Packs each week.

Additional benefits of the Friday Pack Program

Each family in the program is offered a monthly voucher redeemable at the Vicksburg Family Fare Store that entitles them to milk, bread, eggs, fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese, up to a total of $50 or $60 per month depending on number of children in the family (This is the most expensive part of the Friday Pack program, but it provides a predictable source of protein for these growing children.)

Hygiene packs, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine hygiene items (for the older students) are distributed several times during the school year to children who receive Friday Packs. These items are also available to pick up at our warehouse during distribution hours.

Throughout the summer, each family in the program receives vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and cheese at the Vicksburg Farmer's Market.