Forgotten Harvest program gets things done
Agency Capacity Grant initiative works to end hunger crisis
The Alliance of Warren Evangelicals (A.W.E.) has a group of dedicated people supporting the food pantry they host every Monday morning at Warren City Hall.
Now this army of volunteers has a leader.
“Stan has done a world of good,” said Jim Thompson, A.W.E’s founder, referring to Stan Turner, senior pastor of New City Church in Lincoln Park who was hired as lead coordinator for the nonprofit group.
Thanks to a grant provided by Forgotten Harvest’s Agency Capacity Grant Program, AWE and more than 50 other partner agencies are getting the help they need to increase their reach and effectiveness.
The grant money stems from Forgotten Harvest commitment to help communities work together to end hunger.
The $5 Agency Capacity Grant program was launched three-years ago using a portion of the $25 million gift it received from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott. Three rounds of $10,000 — $150,000 grants totaling $2.3 million have been given to recipients like AWE, who submitted applications outlining their needs to improve service capabilities, including but not limited to:
New or upgraded refrigerators, freezers and walk-in coolers Facility renovations like electrical repairs and fresh paint Expanded storage Parking lot repaving Equipment for heavy lifting Shopping bags and carts for client ease
“We are fortunate currently to be able to invest in the systems change we seek by awarding six rounds of microgrants to 55 of our partner agencies to improve food assistance services to our community,” Adrian Lewis, CEO for Forgotten Harvest said, in a news release.
The first round of grants issued in January 2022 covered work/needs scheduled for December 2022.
It’s too early to report hard numbers and percentages on how these grants have helped to increase the number of people served or food distributed.
However, Lewis does know from early reports turned into the Forgotten Harvest Grant Committee that it’s having an impact.
“Early reports from grantees in rounds 1-3 show a marked increase in volunteer acquisition and engagement, efficiency of logistics, and quality of service,” Lewis said.
Improvements so far show:
71% of feeding agencies reported an improvement in volunteer experience and thus an increase in volunteer help, creating an enormous positive impact as emergency food distribution organizations heavily rely on volunteers to help serve the community.
63% of grantees reported more efficient logistics through investments in heavy-lifting equipment, food carts, more storage and electrical upgrades and sixty-three percent of grantees also found their clients’ experience has improved. This included new dining spaces, kitchen equipment and cosmetic and infrastructural improvements that have fostered greater dignity and peace for people accessing food assistance and the other resources available at their agencies.
“Cost avoidance, extension of building life, volunteer comfort, increased storage with confidence, and increased volunteer participation are all making it possible to serve more with greater variety,” said Mary Williams, who heads up the Twelfth Street Food Pantry in Detroit.
Mike Nank, associate pastor at Paradox Church and among the volunteers at A.W.E. said having the ability to have Turner on is a Godsend.
“The team has a consistent voice and face, and a great one at that,” Nank said.
“We just get it done,” said the new lead coordinator, who credited the whole team with the functionality of the distribution. “We have very resourceful people that if they can’t solve [an issue] themselves, they know that ultimately, they can come get me.”