Frequently Asked Questions
How big of a problem is childhood food insecurity?
In the US:
According to a report by the USDA in 2008, 16.7 million children are living in food insecure households.
In Grand Rapids:
Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a food hardship rate of 19.4%, ranking it 34th among the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the US. That's higher that Detroit (18.8%) and Chicago (17.4%). Food Research and Action Center 2008-2009.
How are the at-risk children identified?
School officials provide KFB with the number of children at their site that they know are living in food insecure households. Often, children self-report that they have not eaten since yesterday at school, or teachers, nurses, and social workers recognize the signs of poor nutrition: listlessness, low energy, below normal growth, pale complexion, circles under their eyes and poor concentration.
Where does KFB get sack supper items?
About 70% of the food provided in the sack supper is obtained from Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank (formerly Second Harvest Gleaners). Their food items are 16 cents a pound. About 15% of the food provided is donated by area grocery stores or food vendors, for example, all of the bread for sack supper sandwiches is donated by Sara-Lee. The other 15% is given through food drives.
How is KFB funded?
KFB does not receive any funds from the Federal, State, County or City Governments. We receive monies through grants from local foundations, local businesses, individuals, and community organizations. KFB has two annual fund raisers: the American Culinary Federation of Greater Grand Rapids conducts Feast for Kids every spring and our Board of Directors and Fund Development Committee host Hunger Takes Flight in May.
Who are the staff members of KFB?
Kids' Food Basket has six paid staff members: Bridget Clark Whitney, Executive Director, who has been with the organization since its inception in 2002. Jane Berkey, Operations Manager, has been with KFB since February of 2004. Kathie Rademacher, Manager of Volunteer Services and Kids Helping Kids, has been with the organization since November of 2009. Austin Roelofs, Program Coordinator, has been with KFB since October 2008. Christine Lentine, Fund Development/Community Outreach Coordinator and Bradley Littell, Administrative Assistant, began in February and March 2010 (respectively).
FYI - Other Facts
KFB started feeding 125 children each week day, and currently we are feeding over 2,500 children in our ninth year of service.
- An average of 100 community members volunteer at KFB each day!
- We have six paid staff members and our administration costs are less than 10%.
- Our annual budget is $1.4 million, which includes in-kind donations.