10 Apr SCCF Ambassadors “Focus on Food,” Award $3,000 in Pop-Up Grants
The Starke County Community Foundation Ambassadors Club met in March and chose to focus on food access, awarding $3,000 in pop-up grants to local programs addressing food insecurity. The Ambassadors Club, made up of former SCCF board members, meets quarterly to review community needs and provide surprise funding to organizations making a difference.
After thoughtful discussion, the group awarded two $1,500 grants to programs addressing food insecurity and nutrition:
- Meals on Wheels for Starke County programs
- HealthLinc in support of its Food as Medicine initiative
Launched in 2022, Food as Medicine provides monthly food boxes, grocery vouchers for fresh and nutritious items, and hands-on cooking classes to help participants build sustainable, healthy habits. In Starke County, where 15.6% of residents experience food insecurity and many face barriers to accessing nutritious food, this support helps bridge the gap between healthcare and daily living.
One participant shared, “I wouldn’t have made it some days without these boxes giving me something to eat.”
Meals on Wheels also continues to play a vital role in the community by delivering consistent, reliable meals to residents who may otherwise go without.
Together, these grants reflect the Ambassadors Club’s commitment to responding thoughtfully to local needs. By focusing on food, the group hopes to support not only immediate relief, but also long-term health and well-being for individuals and families across Starke County.