About Us
We are a community-fueled and funded organization working toward a more nourished West Michigan.
Who We Are
Our work meets the needs of today while laying the foundation for a healthier tomorrow.
Our Mission
Nourishing children to reach their full potential
Our Vision
We pursue a future in which all children have access to the nourishment that fosters their lifelong health and limitless potential.
Our Values
Working
toward equity
Being accountable
to our community
Honoring
every resource gifted
Being better
than the day before
Cultivating
a positive and healthy environment
Activating
leaders for good
Why We Exist
Healthy food is a right, not a privilege.
All children deserve high-quality nutrition to grow, learn and be their best. However, for too many of our neighbors, healthy food is out of reach. Our work increases consistent access to nutritious food, education about why it matters and agriculture that makes eating locally possible.
1 in 6
people in West Michigan experience food insecurity
402,680
Children experience food insecurity in Michigan
$10
can provide evening meals to a child for a week
Our Impact & Updates
Stay connected to see your impact in action.
Impact Report
Explore our annual impact report to see how community support transforms lives.
Newsletters
Get in-depth coverage of stories, operations and more in our semi-annual magazine.
Blog and More
Read up-to-date news about moments and meals that matter.
How It Started
In 2002, Mary K. Hoodhood received a phone call that changed everything. A local school principal shared that students were regularly going into the cafeteria after school in search of food to take home. Mary K. identified an immediate need, and Kid’s Food Basket was founded.
With a handful of volunteers and a $3,000 budget, we began by providing 125 students at three schools in Kent County with nourishing evening meals in a brown bag, which we called Sack Suppers. KFB’s first employee was a passionate college intern named Bridget Clark.
Today, under President and Founding CEO Bridget Clark Whitney’s leadership and through community support, KFB unites access, education and agriculture to serve millions of meals and thousands of servings of produce each year to West Michigan neighbors in four counties.
25 Years of Impact: Our Story
Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) was founded to nourish children to reach their full potential. We are a community-based food equity nonprofit serving our West Michigan neighbors in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties who are under-resourced and impacted by poverty and food insecurity. Our services include our flagship Sack Supper program, sustainable farming, community food distribution and educational programming.
2002
Our First Steps
KFB begins in shared spaces with three small gifts of $1,000 and a pool of community volunteers. The organization serves 125 meals to three schools in Grand Rapids.
2005
A Home on Butterworth
KFB expands into a rented space on Butterworth Street in Grand Rapids. With the support of hundreds of volunteers and the launch of the Kids Helping Kids program, thousands of children gain consistent access to nourishing Sack Suppers.
2009
2,500 Meals a Day
During the height of the recession, KFB grows to serve 2,500 meals each day by implementing LEAN Six Sigma practices, a 1,900% increase from 2002.
2010
New Home and National Recognition
To meet growing demand, KFB moves its headquarters to 2055 Oak Industrial Drive. The organization gains national recognition by receiving the Governor’s Service Award for Volunteer Program of the Year, and founder Mary K. Hoodhood receives the Citizens Medal from President Barack Obama.
2012
Muskegon Launches
KFB expands into Muskegon County to respond to the one in four children experiencing food insecurity.
2015
Holland Launches
To support children in Ottawa and Allegan counties facing food insecurity, KFB expands to Ottawa County. The program serves over 950 meals across six schools each weekday.
2016
One Million Meals and Infinite Impact
With growing community support, KFB reaches the milestone of serving 1 million healthy meals in a single school year across West Michigan. At one partner school, national test scores increase by 21%, which the principal attributes to consistent access to healthy meals from KFB.
2017
Last Farmland in Grand Rapids
KFB opens a 10-acre farm at its Grand Rapids headquarters, preserving the last remaining piece of farmland in the city. Fresh, kid-tested vegetables now grow on-site, strengthening long-term sustainability and access to healthy food.
2019
Permanent Kids’ Food Basket Headquarters
KFB moves into its 30,000-square-foot, LEED-certified headquarters at 1300 Plymouth Avenue NE. The site is adjacent to the 10-acre farm and now includes a greenhouse and education center. At this time, the organization serves approximately 8,800 meals across four counties, with the possibility to reach 15,000 meals each day and distribute thousands of pounds of fresh produce.
2020
Ottawa + Allegan Expansion and Covid-19 Response
KFB secures a home in Holland at 652 Hastings Avenue. This expansion allows the organization to reach five additional schools with healthy evening meals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, KFB never shuts down, quickly pivoting operations to safely continue serving meals to children and families when and where they need it most.
2021
Education Curriculum and Farm to Pantry Program Launches
The Education team launches Ground Up Learning Lab, an interactive curriculum focused on nutrition, agriculture, sustainability and healthy habits for students and families.
KFB launches the Farm to Pantry Partner program, connecting farm-grown produce with local community partners to expand access to fresh, healthy food for West Michigan families.
2022
Kids’ Food Basket Farm – Ottawa+Allegan
KFB announces the development of a 10-acre sustainable farm, greenhouse and education center in Ottawa County in partnership with Ridge Point Community Church. Produce grown on-site supports Sack Suppers and expands access to fresh food in the community.
2023
Weekend Meal Program Established
The Weekend Meal Program, sponsored by Meijer, begins in direct response to feedback from educators. Double-sized Sack Suppers are delivered on Fridays to help ensure children have access to food over the weekend.
2025
Muskegon Expansion
KFB strengthens its commitment to Muskegon County through the purchase and renovation of a facility at 2330 Barclay St. The new space increases service by 500 daily Sack Suppers in its first year, with the additional capacity to grow in the future. This new location includes an education center for hands-on learning and community gatherings.
2027
KFB Turns 25 years!
KFB celebrates 25 years of nourishing children and strengthening communities across West Michigan.
KFB provides 2 million healthy meals in a single school year across West Michigan!
The People in Your Neighborhood
Our team uses their superpowers to lift community and nourish the future.
Three Locations, One Mission
We operate in three convenient locations to serve and host neighbors in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties.
Work Here, Thrive Here
Join the passionate team dedicated to this critical work.
Mission-Driven
Transform your working hours into change for the community.
Collaborative Culture
Work in an interdisciplinary team of advocates who help each other succeed.
Inspiring Workspace
Many staff members work a hybrid schedule. Our dynamic workspaces also feature greenhouses, farm views and community collaboration.
Competitive Benefits
Health insurance, generous PTO, retirement plans and more.