Keeping the Grow & Give Spirit Alive All Year Long

At Kind Hearts Bloom, we believe community grows best when we nurture one another in every season. Through our Grow & Give program, hundreds of neighbors have joined together to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables to share with others. But even when the gardens rest for winter, the heart of Grow & Give continues to thrive through care, connection, and generosity.

This season, many of our neighbors are facing extra challenges with the pause in SNAP benefits. Every organization working to feed our community has shared the same message: need is at record levels. Thankfully, Grand Rapids is home to incredible food access partners working tirelessly to ensure no one goes hungry.

Rather than starting our own food drive, Kind Hearts Bloom is focusing on connecting our caring community to these trusted partners. These organizations already have the systems, relationships, and resources in place to make every dollar and volunteer hour stretch further.

Here are a few meaningful ways to keep the Grow & Give spirit alive this season:

1. Volunteer at Your Local Food Bank

Feeding America West Michigan and Heart of West Michigan United Way both offer great search tools to help you find volunteer shifts that fit your schedule. Whether you’re packing boxes, sorting produce, or helping restock shelves, every hour makes a difference.

2. Make It Family-Friendly

Many volunteer shifts happen during school or work hours, which can make it tough for families to get involved, but there are still wonderful ways to give together.

• Kids’ Food Basket welcomes volunteers to decorate their sack lunch bags, a simple, creative way for kids to share love and encouragement with others.

• Family Promise of West Michigan offers evening volunteer opportunities through their Shelter Meals program, where you can prepare or drop off dinners for local families experiencing housing insecurity. Learn more here.

3. Remember: Cash Is King

Financial gifts go further than canned goods. Donations help pantries provide fresh produce, proteins, and culturally relevant foods, and they can also support behind-the-scenes needs like kitchen repairs and transportation. Consider giving directly to your local food pantry or through the United Response Fund at Heart of West Michigan United Way.

4. Need Food? Help Is Here.

If you or someone you know is struggling to access food, help is available. Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance.

You can also explore Kids Eat in Color’s “Affordable Flavors” guide — a practical, family-friendly resource designed to help families stretch their grocery budgets and cook nourishing meals with flavor. It’s currently free for those who need it with promo code FLAVOR. Get it here.

Even when the gardens rest, our care keeps growing.