Hand2Hand Backpack Briefing

Hand2Hand delivers nutritious food to students over the weekends and on extended school breaks by mobilizing churches, schools, individuals, and businesses to join together, providing hope and opportunity to thrive.

In November, we were blessed to launch our first Coordinator Advisory Committee, bringing together a small group from the 145 churches that are part of our Hand2Hand family. Who are these dedicated members, and why are they so important to our mission? The Hand2Hand Coordinator Advisory Committee (CAC) members are dedicated ambassadors who will engage their congregations, provide leadership, and contribute to the programming and decision-making of Hand2Hand's mission.

The last quarter was a busy and impactful time as we worked alongside our school partners! Below are some of the highlights:

• Jenison Public School District Change For Change Coin Drive - raised $27,942.
• Byron Center Public School Staff members raised $6,000+ through two weeks of jeans days.
• Rockford Public School District raised $13,000+ through a donation campaign and word on the street is that Superintendent, Dr. Steve Matthews makes a delicious baked cookie.
• Riley Middle School Choir of Hudsonville - raised $970 through their concert/bake sale.
• Hudsonville Christian 1st Graders - collected food donations and packed snack packs for Hand2Hand at Christmas time.

This mission is only made possible because of a truly caring community, and we are so thankful for the many ways you all faithfully help our Hand2Hand kids! We’d love to share a few highlights with you:

• Friends from David's House Ministry - faithfully join each month for packing events.
• Kids, kids, and more kids! - we love filling our building with kids of all ages.
• Fair Haven Church "Seasoned Saints" Group gathered 70+ retired individuals to pack food.
• Lighting Corner - Worked alongside their customers during the month of Nov/Dec to collect an entire van filled with food!
• In November, Excel Electric generously sponsored a corporate packing event, and their belief in our mission was so strong that they’ve now joined us as a Provider of Hope Sponsor. We're truly grateful for their support!
• Our dear friends at First Companies have been steadfast champions for Hand2Hand Kids! Four years ago, they helped us renovate a space into a beautiful place where people of all ages and abilities can come together to care for kids in need. It is with great joy and gratitude that we introduce them as Hand2Hand's newest Champion of Hope, our highest level of corporate sponsorship. Thank you, Team First Companies, for your continued support and faithfulness!

Hand2Hand Store

The store is thriving as it continues to operate as a cooperative for our many partners. The increased demand for food has enabled us to improve cost efficiency while providing affordable, hard-to-find, kid-friendly items such as shelf-stable yogurt, cheese, and milk to our partners. They especially value the convenience of one-stop shopping and curbside pickup.

• 89% of church partners utilize this resource with 90% placing repeat orders. Partners typically order once a month, and those who order more frequently see cost savings—receiving 30% more food for just a 26% higher cost, which results in a 4% savings.
• We've reduced food costs by 13% at Hand2Hand Central compared to last year, making it possible to stretch every dollar even further.

Expanded Produce Items

• We’re working closely with local producers and suppliers to create a reliable supply chain, cold storage, and delivery plan to bring fresh fruits and vegetables directly to our Church Partners and students. Currently, our church partners receive a gift card from Hand2Hand to purchase the produce items in their local areas. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming days!

Education

• Bilingual recipe cards are periodically included to engage and empower students and families to transform common foods into flavorful and creative meals.

Engagement

• Each quarter, we include an educational insert in both English and Spanish that helps students learn about the food they’re eating, based on the MyPlate.gov food groups. This resource empowers them with practical knowledge about how the items in their bag support their overall nutrition and health.

On Monday, January 20, Hand2Hand will gather to honor this meaningful day, bringing our community together with a shared purpose: to care for kids by providing weekend meals and covering them in prayer.

The summer months are always a priority for us, as we know that weekend hunger doesn’t take a break during this time. Hand2Hand has been working hard over the past few years to find ways to support kids during the extended summer break. We’re excited to share our plans for this initiative in our upcoming briefing!

Let’s drive out hunger, one swing at a time! Join us on Monday, July 14 for an 18-hole scramble event featuring a raffle, exciting prizes, and a celebratory lunch buffet—all in support of Hand2Hand kids during the 2025-2026 school year. Gather your team, grab your clubs, and enjoy a fun-filled day on the course while making a meaningful difference. Interested in partnering with us? We have many sponsorship opportunities available! Register and learn more: https://h2hkids.org/golf

• In Februrary, Hand2Hand will be teaming up with Access of West Michigan for a poverty education workshop.
• The families we serve are at the heart of everything we do. Hand2Hand is blessed to continue strengthening relationships with our community partners. We’re truly grateful for the wonderful work and the positive impact Access of West Michigan has on families in our community!