It was a year of growth for a local nonprofit organization.
Grow It Forward Executive Director Amber Daugs explained on WOMT’s Be My Guest program that the growth comes from the Feed our Future Program, a weekend food program for children in the Manitowoc Public School District.
“We saw a 100% increase,” Daugs said. “So, we went from 200 children being served to 400 people (children) being served.”
Daugs says the program gives children 10 items every weekend.
It’s because of donations from Manitowoc and surrounding communities that Grow It Forward has been able to keep up with some of the demand.
However, the need for many nonprofits in the area to help those less fortunate has seen an increase in demand, so not everyone who could get help has been able to get it.
“We haven’t been able to serve all those schools that have wanted to participate in this program,” she explained. “So, unfortunately, there are some kiddos who could qualify for this program, however we aren’t able to fill the need.”
Even with this downside, Daugs says she’s seen what Manitowoc can do when times are tough.
It’s about everyone pulling together, and she’s seen it happen daily.
“I see that by the gifts that we receive,” she said. “I receive a lot of feedback from individuals that we do serve and how much it means to them. And in fact, several of the individuals who have received support from us come back and volunteer.”
According to the Grow It Forward end-of-the-year report, they want to continue growing the Feed our Future program to reach more children while doubling down on their partnerships with local farmers and working toward the dream of a stronger, more resilient local food system.
Feed Our Future started in 2021 and is free of charge for those participating in it.
