Sibley Elementary is one of Grand Rapids Public Schools' eight Grand and Go Meal Sites during the summer. /Sibley Elementary
Kent County hosting food distribution event for residents impacted by pandemic
Kent County’s Community Action (KCAA) department will be hosting a food distribution event on Thursday, with more than 50 pounds of food available for those struggling during the pandemic.
Taking place on Grand Rapids’ southeast side at 121 Franklin St. SE, the event lasts from 9am-1pm. Residents will be asked to remain in their vehicles and have their trunks open while present, ready to accept their food. Walk-up service won’t be available to ensure physical distancing for the protection of residents, volunteers, and staff.
“This distribution is our way to respond to those households with food insecurities in an effort to alleviate the causes of poverty,” said KCCA’s Director, Susan Cervantes.
KCCA and the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) are asking residents to enter southbound on Jefferson St. from Wealthy St.. The GRPD will be barricading all other entrances and side streets to ensure an orderly operation.
More than 20 food items will be distributed in packets. Among food items are fresh apples and oranges, canned vegetables and fruits, rice, beans, and pork and beef. The event’s projected to assist 900 households.
Grand Rapids Public Schools announces summer Grab and Go Meal Sites
Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) shared its list of Grab and Go Meal Sites during the summer season.
The school district’s eight locations will be open for families to pick up meals on Mondays and Thursdays only, during the afternoon:
- City High Middle School | 1720 Plainfield Ave. NE | 11:30am-12:30pm
- Ottawa Hills High School | 2055 Rosewood Ave. SE | 11:30am-12:30pm
- San Juan Diego Academy | 1650 Godfrey Ave. SE | 11:30am-12:30pm
- Sibley Elementary | 943 Sibley St. NW | 11:30am-12:30pm
- United Methodist Community House | 904 Sheldon Ave. SE | 11:30am-12:30pm
- Martin Luther King Park | 900 Fuller Ave. SE | 11:30am-12:15pm
- Campau Commons | 835 Commons Ave. SW | 1-1:30pm
- Creston Plaza | 1014 Clancy Ave. NE | 1-1:30pm
Meals are available for students 18 years of age and younger, as well as students with disabilities ages 18-26 with an active individual education program (IEP). Meals are not limited to GRPS students.
Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses seeking local Black-owned businesses to add to new business directory
Aiming to promote greater awareness of Black-owned businesses in greater Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB) is developing a new website to do just that. And it wants Black business owners and entrepreneurs to help it.
“Our new website will feature a free listing option for Black businesses in the greater Grand Rapids area,” the organization shared in a Facebook post. Its encouraging local Black-owned businesses to complete its Business Directory Listing Form to help create a more robust directory than what's currently provided.
GRABB added that its partner SmallStreet is developing a platform for investing into small Black businesses in the area, after a local Black resident asked on GRABB’s Facebook post about investment opportunities that could provide a return.
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