Community Action House Recognized as 2024 West Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year for Food Rescue Program

October 15, 2024

Grand Rapids, MI – October 15, 2024 – Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF) is proud to recognize Community Action House as a 2024 West Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year honoree for its impactful Lakeshore Food Rescue program, a recently expanded effort that turns excess food into food access in West Michigan.

Working across sectors and behind-the-scenes, Community Action House collaborates with grocery stores, restaurants, farmers, and local businesses to efficiently redirect good, surplus food away from landfills and into communities. Through this rapidly growing area of work, Action House has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing both social equity and a healthier environment. Their innovative approach is a model for how organizations can drive positive environmental and social impact at the same time – a win-win for food-insecure families and for the planet.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a Sustainable Business of the year by the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. All of our work is made possible by a community that believes in and supports our efforts, and we’re grateful for the partners working alongside us to build a stronger, healthier community and planet,” said Krista Burgett, Senior Manager of Lakeshore Food Rescue,

In 2023, Action House’s team of staff and volunteers rescued 2 million pounds of food. Already this year, Lakeshore Food Rescue has rescued 2.7 million pounds of food and is on track for 3.5 million pounds by the end of the year – a 69% increase from last year. This growing effort helps Community Action House meet increasing rates of food insecurity, while simultaneously decreasing food waste and reducing the environmental impact of wasted food.

The award will be presented during the 11th Annual Triple Bottom Line Bash on October 23, 2024, at The High Five Grand Rapids. The event will feature an evening of celebration, networking, and a special tribute to MiSBF’s 30th anniversary. Attendees will enjoy a locally sourced dinner and beverages while helping to support MiSBF’s ongoing statewide programming that promotes sustainable business practices across Michigan.

Event Details:

  • Date: October 23, 2024
  • Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
  • Location: The High Five Grand Rapids, 819 LaGrave Avenue SE

For more information about the event and to secure your ticket, please visit www.misbf.org/bash.

About Michigan Sustainable Business Forum:

Michigan Sustainable Business Forum promotes business practices that advance climate leadership, social justice, and the creation of a circular economy. It is Michigan’s leading organization for beyond-compliance sustainability, with a community of practice featuring our region’s most recognizable brands, largest employers, and most innovative entrepreneurs, advocates, and educators. It formerly did business in Southwest Michigan as Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum.

About Community Action House:

Founded in 1969, Community Action House is a Holland-based nonprofit working to build a community where every neighbor has what they need to thrive. By providing Ottawa and Allegan county families with dignified access to essential needs, resource navigation and connection, and financial empowerment, Community Action House helps families build towards stability. From fresh, healthy groceries at Food Club, to a meal at the Community Kitchen, to workshops through Financial Wellness, their highly relational, integrated service pathways facilitate momentum toward a brighter future.  Learn more and get involved at www.communityactionhouse.org.

Media contacts:

English
English Spanish