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The Stamp Out Hunger food drive delivers donations to food pantries across West Michigan. Here's how you can help.

Food banks across the country are seeing rising demand, with some hitting record levels. About 65 percent of food banks reported an increase in the number of people served in October 2024 compared to October 2023, according to nonprofit Feeding America. NBC News' Shannon Pettypiece has a closer look.

Meijer announced today it's making a $25,000 donation to The Other Way Ministries in Grand Rapids on behalf of 2024 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Champion Lilia Vu. This donation follows the tournament achieving a record-setting $2 million fundraising goal and supports a tradition started in 2021 to support a hunger relief program of the champion's choice.

Meijer Executive Chair Hank Meijer and professional golfer Brittany Lang paid a visit to The Other Way Ministries Food Pantry in Grand Rapids Monday. The tour was meant to highlight the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give program and its mission to provide food for people facing food insecurity in West Michigan and the Midwest.

This week, some of the nation’s best golfers will be competing in West Michigan for the Meijer LPGA Classic. It’s not just about golf, but helping families in need.

Eleven programs in Grand Rapids will see a big boost thanks to funding from the State of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Education awarded $50M to 130 organizations across the state to serve the youth in their community.

The holiday season is a time for gift-giving, gathering with family and enjoying a warm meal. For some, it can be a challenge to put food on the table. According to Feeding America, 1 in 7 people in West Michigan are threatened by hunger. Several West Michigan food pantries told News 8 that this year’s need is at its highest of all time.

Ter Maat, Richard John age 84, peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on September 13, 2023 in Grand Rapids, 20 months after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born on September 21, 1938 in Vesper, Wisconsin to John and Margaret Ter Maat. Dick married Helen Meylink on August 20, 1960. They have lived on the west side of Grand Rapids since 1964 when he accepted a call from Ninth Reformed Church after graduation from Western Theological Seminary. In 1967 he established The Other Way Ministries and served as executive director until his retirement in 2003.

Grand Rapids neighborhoods, food pantries and meal programs have long been supported by the Heartside Gleaning Initiative. Since 2014, 240,714 pounds of fresh produce has been collected and delivered to groups through free fresh food markets, Good Food boxes and distribution programs.

West Michigan food pantries and nonprofits are offering reduced services and are providing takeaway meals to those who need it amidst the COVID-19 food services restriction. Effective Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered that all restaurants and bars statewide prohibit dine-in services. Takeaway and delivery services are still allowed.