The Stamp Out Hunger food drive delivers donations to food pantries across West Michigan. Here’s how you can help.
News and Blog
Stories from the Westside: News, Updates, and Neighbor Highlights
At The Other Way Ministries, every story begins with walking alongside our neighbors. Our blog is where we share the heart of our work—updates from our programs, reflections on community life, and stories of transformation from the Westside of Grand Rapids. Whether you're a longtime supporter or just getting to know us, we invite you to see how Christ-centered relationships are making a difference every day.
The Stamp Out Hunger food drive delivers donations to food pantries across West Michigan. Here's how you can help.
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.
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.
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 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 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. 2023 Champion Leona Maguire, 2022 Champion Jennifer Kupcho, and 2021 Champion Nelly Korda chose to give the surprise $25,000 donation to Grand Rapids-based Kids’ Food Basket.
“We are humbled and honored to support local organizations like The Other Way, which plays a crucial role in addressing hunger at the community level, ensuring families receive the resources they need right where they live,” said Melissa Conway, Director of Community Partnerships & Giving at Meijer. “Supporting these organizations is essential to strengthening our neighborhoods and creating lasting change. Thank you, Lilia, for helping us extend our commitment to enriching lives in the communities we serve.”
Vu chose The Other Way Ministries because the organization supports a key neighborhood in the Grand Rapids community. The pantry was also a highlight for LPGA Pro Brittany Lang, who visited the pantry with Meijer Executive Chairman Hank Meijer during the week of the 2024 Meijer LPGA Classic.
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.
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.
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.
The Other Way Ministries offers food, clothes and support for many Grand Rapids families.
Hank told us their goal is to raise $2 million at this year’s LPGA tournament to support The Other Way Ministries and other organizations wanting to provide food for those who need it.
“You can love golf, but we wouldn’t be putting on a golf tournament for its own sake. We’re doing it because there are people who need to eat; we’re in the business of supplying food,” says Hank. “If we can help meet that serious need in our community, Simply Give is the way to go.”
“The fact that we can play golf and have a great event and they can grow that money at Simply Give with Meijer for The Other Way Ministries is amazing to keep helping families,” says Lang.
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.
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.
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.
About 60 people came to pick up food today at The Other Way Ministries. The pantry usually sees about 900 people a month. It received 653 pounds of produce this morning.
This afternoon, Meijer Executive Chairman Hank Meijer and LPGA pro Brittany Lang toured the pantry at The Other Way Ministries and had a chance to ask questions and see the work that’s being done.
Scott Bloem, executive director of The Other Way Ministries said the organization has been seeing a large number of people come through, especially in the last couple of years.
“Four to five years ago we saw around 150 families come through every month, and in 2023, we saw over 10,000 household come through, that’s over 900 a month, that’s sixfold increase,” said Bloem.
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.
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.
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.
“This investment is critical to realizing the positive youth outcomes we want to see in this community,” said Christy Knetsch, executive director of New City Kids: Grand Rapids and Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Network Chair-Elect.
Here’s a list of Grand Rapids programs benefitting from the funding:
- Baxter Community Center*
- Bridge Street Ministries*
- Camp Blodgett*
- Grand Valley State University*
- New City Kids*
- Oakdale Neighbors
- Refugee Education Center
- STEM Greenhouse*
- The Edge Urban Fellowship
- The Other Way Ministries
- YMCA – by way of State Alliance of YMCAs*
*Indicates an ELO Network member program.
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.
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.
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.
“It is getting worse. We had to implement some measures to reduce the number of people who are coming into the pantry,” Bethany Joseph, director of food and resources at The Other Way Ministries which is located on the Westside of Grand Rapids, said. “So during the pandemic, we were actually seeing everybody once a week and slowly over time we have had to decrease the frequency we’re seeing people because we just can’t keep up.”
Joseph told News 8 that the month before the government shutdown in 2020, their organization served about 150 families a month. In October of this year, they saw record numbers and served more than 1115 families.
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.
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.
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. In 1981 Dick and Helen and their three children Kristin, Thomas, and Lisa became charter members of Servant’s Community Reformed Church where Dick led the new congregation as part time pastor for five years and remained a member throughout his life. In 1990 Dick founded Westown Jubilee Housing and served as executive director until the late 2000’s when he retired.
Dick was a lifelong learner. In addition to earning his Master of Divinity degree from Western Seminary, he also received a Master of Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1981 and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1995.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret Ter Maat, his in-laws Harold and Elizabeth Meylink, his sister and brother-in-law Harriet and Lloyd Debbink, and his brother-in-law Roger Sandee.
Dick is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen, his siblings Helen (Gordy) Veldboom, David (Mary) Ter Maat, Cindy (Steve) Heinen, sister-in-law Marilyn Sandee and many nieces and nephews; his children Kristin (Dave) DeVries, Thomas (Vivian) Ter Maat, and Lisa (Jeramie) Rigsby; grandchildren Lukas (Kelli) Duimstra, Abigail (Nicholas) Wagner, Korinne (Brian) Pupel, and Benjamin (Lorretta) Duimstra, Lauren, Brooke, and Ingrid Ter Maat, Michael, Nathanael, and Joseph Rigsby and great grandchildren Ryan and Emerson Duimstra, Maisie and Audra Wagner, and baby girl Pupel to be born in November. He is also survived by step grandchildren David, Rita, and Jenee DeVries and step great grandchildren Eden and Sullivan Pupel. Dick’s life verse was 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you.”
Visitation for Dick Ter Maat will be held on Saturday, September 23rd 2023 from 4pm- 6pm at Heritage Funeral Home on Lake Michigan Drive. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 24th 2023 at 4pm at Orchard Hill Reformed Church on 3 Mile Rd in Walker.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to The Other Way Ministries, Westown Jubilee Housing, or Servant’s Community Reformed Church.
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.
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.
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.
Starting in June, those programs will continue under the direction of the century-old Fulton Street Farmers Market (FSFM), operating as the Market Gleaning program.
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.
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.
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.
Here is a list of food pantries that are offering reduced services or take-away options organized by county:
Kent
Buist Community Center
Building is closed. Drive-up services will be offered. Detailed instructions are available on their website. Saturday hours are for clients that work during the week or have transportation issues.
Address: 8306 Byron Center Ave. SW Byron Center MI, 49315
Service Times: Monday 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday March 21 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks
Amidst the current COVID-19 situation, Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program doubles the value of federal nutrition (SNAP or food stamps) benefits spent at participating markets and grocery stores. If you and/or someone you know already participates in the Double Up program, this is a reminder that you can choose to utilize your already earned Double Up dollars on produce at some of your local stores and farmers markets. For additional information on your account and locations that accept Double Up, visit this website.
Feeding America West Michigan
Feeding America west Michigan will have two places to pick up food each week in a drive-thru model. Attendees should place empty boxes, plastic tubs or laundry baskets in their trunk for approximately 50 pounds of food to be loaded into by volunteers. The two mobile pantries are located at:
Ada Bible Church (1640 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546)
First date: Thursday, March 26
Ongoing dates: Every other Thursday
Time: 5 p.m.
Grandville Church of Christ (3725 44th St SW, Grandville, MI 49418)
First date: Friday, March 27
Ongoing dates: Every other Friday
Time: 5 p.m.
Woodland Mall (3195 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512): Northwest parking lot between Tricho Salon and Von Maur)
First date: Wednesday, April 1
Ongoing dates: Every other Wednesday
Time: 4 p.m.
Flat River Outreach Center
Building is closed to the public. Starting March 23 extended hours will be offered. Drive-up services are being offered.
Address: 11535 Fulton St. E, Lowell, MI 49331
Service Times: Monday (starting March 23) 2 p.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Wednesday 5 p.m.-8 p.m., and Friday 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Green Apple Pantry
Building is closed. Drive-up services will be available. Please bring ID and mail for all family members.
Address: 4307 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Service Times: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Thursday 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
God’s Kitchen Take-Away Meal Service
Dining room closed. Takeaway pickup located at the back of the building. Diapers and wipes available for existing clients.
Address: 303 S. Division Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Service times: Monday through Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Heartside Gleaning Initiative
The Heartside Gleaning Initiative has a new Good Food Box program. They will be delivering fresh produce to 50 families in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood in partnership with Mercy Health, The Hispanic Center and National Kidney Foundation.
Kent County Community Action
Distribution for seniors (60+) will be via drive-up/walk-up on Friday, March 20 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. TFAP distribution for families with children will be via drive-up/walk-up on Thursday the 26th, from 1-6 p.m.
North End Community Ministry
Building is closed. Clients will be given food boxes at the door.
Address: New City Church 214 Spencer NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Service times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Northwest Food Pantry
Building closed. Pantry will resume services Tuesday March 24. Food will be handed out at the door. Please bring proof of address.
Address: 1224 Davis Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Service times: Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
North Kent Connect
Food donations will not be accepted. Clients can receive their monthly pantry items by driving up to the building during any one of the following days:
Mondays and Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. starting Wednesday, March 25, and continuing through April 13.
North Kent Connect is asking the community to purchase a food box through their website. Each box costs $13.75 and will provide a family of four with five meals.
The Other Way Ministries
Building closed. Pick-up services will be available. Delivery is being considered for those who cannot leave their home.
Address: 710 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Service times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
In 2017 The Other Way Ministries celebrated 50 years of community development on the west side of Grand Rapids, MI!
In 2017 The Other Way Ministries celebrated 50 years of community development on the west side of Grand Rapids, MI!
In 2017 The Other Way Ministries celebrated 50 years of community development on the west side of Grand Rapids, MI!
