Editor’s Note: Staff writer Dylan Schwartz published the original article. https://www.bigrapidsnews.com/news/article/big-rapids-rotary-club-gives-away-free-19945820.php
Over 3,000 lbs of food were distributed
BIG RAPIDS — The Rotary Club of Big Rapids’ Bob Sinclair Thanksgiving Outreach continued its mission to combat food insecurity at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids.
Volunteers distributed 76 meals and 3,648 pounds of food to local families, continuing the program’s 17-year history of aiding Mecosta County residents. Since its inception, the program has supported 1,487 families and impacted 4,297 individuals.
The outreach effort began in 2008, led by Rotarian Bob Sinclair, who organized the distribution of 10 meals. After Sinclair’s passing, the Rotary Club carried on the initiative in his memory, gradually increasing its capacity.
This year’s event included contributions from local business owners, Rotary Club members and student volunteers.
Rising grocery costs created challenges for fundraising this year, but organizers secured community support to fund the meals.
