GRAND RAPIDS – The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce turned a summertime fundraising opportunity into a
way to help the local food pantry.
Breakfast items were sold to participants of the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) earlier this summer,
and the profits were split with the Otsego Food Pantry. The pantry serves residents in the four Otsego
communities, Weston, Haskins, Grand Rapids and Tontogany. It is housed in the First Presbyterian Church
in Grand Rapids.
"This will go a long way," said Lisa Hatfield, assistant director of the food pantry. The money
is being used to buy supplies for its freezer and pantry shelves, and she estimated the donation will
stock enough for three weeks. The pantry provides families with a set amount of food, including meats.
Foods currently high in demand include peanut butter, jelly, tuna and cereal.
"We’ve had an increase in our usership," Hatfield noted. "A cash donation makes a huge
difference." It allows for the purchase of foods which are missing or low in stock, as well as
buying items such as toilet tissue, toothpaste and deodorant.
The food pantry is supported strictly by Otsego residents, along with the school district’s churches and
organizations. It does not get any federal or state aid. Shopping is done in Wood County, at stores
including ALDI, Kroger and Big Lots, to get the most food for the donations. "We shop sales,"
stressed Hatfield.
Local residents with extra garden bounty are encouraged to donate it to the food pantry, where the fresh
produce will be given away to people in need, along with recipes ON how to prepare it. All items can be
left on the porch of Hatfield’s home, 24526 Second St. Her home number is (419) 832-0462.
Chamber President Jane Spoerl said the village was a breakfast snack stop for GOBA riders, and about
2,500 came through on their journey. The chamber organized the stop and encouraged local churches to
help with baked goods and workers. The chamber’s portion of profits will go toward advertising the
village as a destination stop for visitors.