15th Annual Food Fight Begins

“A successful Food Fight is critical to stock the food pantry and sustain our programs that support thousands of residents each year.”

Flat River Outreach Ministries, also known as FROM, has launched its 15th annual Food Fight, a food drive and fundraiser that supports more than a dozen programs serving the greater Lowell community.

Now through June 1, community members are invited to participate in the “friendly but fierce” competition between the north and south areas of Lowell, split by M-21/Main Street, to raise funds and resources for FROM.

The organization’s goal is 160,000 points, which equates to $150,000 and 10,000 food items. One point is given for every dollar or food item donated. A scoreboard is updated on the nonprofit’s website to see which side of the city can get the most points throughout the month-long fundraiser.

Though the fundraiser centers around Lowell, anyone in West Michigan, who has a heart for helping community members in need, is encouraged to get involved.

“A successful Food Fight is critical to stock the food pantry and sustain our programs that support thousands of residents each year,” Executive Director, Wendie Preiss, said. “It is amazing to see what a caring community and a little competitive spirit can achieve when we come together for this annual food drive and fundraiser. We have a big goal this year, but with the generosity of our community, I’m confident we can reach it.”

There are several ways to get involved:

Donate financial gifts: Donate funds directly to the nonprofit or hold a Facebook fundraiser. A match challenge up to $41,400, thanks to several generous sponsors, is available to make financial donations go further.

Contribute food: Donate food items directly to FROM at 11535 Fulton St. E or at participating businesses – just look for the iconic barrels. Schools, businesses and community members may also hold their own food drives. A list of food needs is available on FROM’s food pantry webpage. An Amazon Wish List is also available.

Eat at a participating restaurant: Local restaurants will be donating a portion of sales to FROM on Food Fight benefit nights, including:

Flat River Grill, 201 E. Main St. – 11:30 am - 9 pm, Tuesday, May 14

BC Pizza of Lowell, 1335 W. Main St. – 11 am - 9 pm, Monday, May 20

Culver’s, 1245 W. Main St. – 5-8 pm, Tuesday, May 28

In the past 14 years, the North Team has won six times, and the South has won eight. Last year, the fundraiser raised more than $149,000 and collected nearly 14,000 food items.

“For more than 25 years, we have been committed to meeting the needs in our community,” Development Director, Arianne Hall, said. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support of caring individuals continuously joining with us to fulfill our mission. Please consider getting involved in our Food Fight, multiple ways throughout the month, to keep the momentum going. Every donation makes a difference.”

FROM’s food programs impact thousands of residents of all ages in a given year. On average, more than 2,000 individuals benefit from the organization’s food pantry and mobile food pantry, 7,000 kitchens staples are sold in the Farm Market at affordable prices, and 300 Christmas food baskets are distributed to families.

The organization also helps more than 300 kids get school supplies and Christmas presents, lends more than 450 medical equipment items and makes 500+ community resource connections each year to help residents who are facing challenging personal or financial situations through various programs.

For more information, visit FROMlowell.org/FoodFight.

About Flat River Outreach Ministries:

Flat River Outreach Ministries is a Christian organization, based in Lowell, whose mission is to be the Greater Lowell community hub where hope, resources and gifts are shared. The organization provides more than a dozen programs focused on healthy food, family support, housing and connections to resources. FROM also offers a transportation service for rides anywhere within the Lowell Area School District, and a Treasures Store thrift shop, offering everything from clothing to home goods, at an affordable price. Visit FROMlowell.org for more information.