Restoring Hope: Ottawa Food Program Secures Funding to Serve Community

In a heartening turn of events, the Ottawa County Health Department has secured funding to revive its vital Ottawa Food program, which had been left in limbo due to budget cuts last year. This news brings renewed hope to the community as the program aims to provide critical support to local families and individuals facing food insecurity.

Empowering the Community Through Sustainable Food Access

Bridging the Gap and Building Connections

The Ottawa County Health Director, Adeline Hambley, expressed her excitement about the program's relaunch, stating, "I'm really excited that we can support our community." The Ottawa Food program has played a crucial role in coordinating efforts and building connections that may not have existed before, helping to bridge the gap for those in need.

Restoring Funding and Rehiring Dedicated Leadership

The county's budget for the fiscal year 2025, which went into effect on October 1st, has allocated funding to restore the Ottawa Food program. Hambley shared, "I'm excited to say that the board approved restoring funding to Ottawa Food for our fiscal year '25 budget." The health department is now looking to rehire the program's former coordinator, Sierra Schuetz, who is known for her passion and dedication to serving the community.

Expanding Access to Fresh, Local Produce

Under Schuetz's leadership, the Ottawa Food program has worked to provide people with access to healthy, locally-grown food. "So increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown right here in the county while also, you know, helping to support and have our farmers give back to the community," Schuetz explained. This initiative not only benefits the community but also supports local agriculture.

Strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration

The Ottawa Food program's advisory board comprises 45 local nonprofits and organizations, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing food insecurity. Hambley expressed optimism about the program's potential to become more efficient and explore new avenues for collecting and distributing food, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.

Reviving Vital Programs for Seniors

The program's 2023 annual report revealed that the county-level coordinator's absence last year had a significant impact on the Senior Project Fresh program, which provided $25 vouchers to local seniors to purchase fresh produce from area farmers markets. This program, which the county could no longer support, had helped 350 seniors access healthy, locally-sourced food.

Securing Funding and Overcoming Challenges

The county board's approval of the general fund contribution to public health was not without some back-and-forth. Earlier this year, a majority of commissioners had voted to move $2 million out of the Public Health's rainy day balance, which Hambley says will now be used to fund her department. The health director acknowledged the increased costs, stating, "I think that our overall increase over last year was hovering right around $800,000 and the majority of that was increased cost due to salary, fringe admin overhead costs in the county."The relaunch of the Ottawa Food program represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity within the community. With dedicated leadership, expanded access to fresh, local produce, and strengthened partnerships, the program is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. As the county continues to navigate the challenges of funding and budgetary constraints, the restoration of this vital program serves as a beacon of hope, empowering the community and ensuring that no one is left behind.