Meat supplier feeds thousands of families

Meat supplier feeds thousands of families

More than 30 volunteers will help distribute thousands of pounds of meat donated by Miller Poultry to food pantries in the region. Photo via fb.com

A group of food brands are partnering to spread the holiday spirit by distributing enough meat to serve more than 31,000 families.

Meat distribution

D&W Fresh Market, a supermarket brand of Grand Rapids-based food distributor SpartanNash, said last week that it has partnered with Indiana-based Miller Poultry, a SpartanNash supplier, to distribute about 4,000 pounds of chicken drumsticks and thighs and 1,200 pounds of chicken sausage to food pantries in West Michigan this month.

The distribution started last week via the D&W off Knapp Street in Grand Rapids, at 2022 Apple Orchard Ln.

A similar distribution began in southeast Michigan last week at SpartanNash’s VG store in Fenton, at 18005 Silver Pkwy.

The “generous donation” by Miller Poultry will serve more than 31,000 families across the state “who are facing financial challenges this holiday season,” said Meredith Gremel, director of corporate affairs, SpartanNash.

Gremel added that Miller Poultry has supplied D&W and VG stores with “all natural, hormone-free” chicken for several years.

“We consider it an honor to give back to the communities that support us all year long,” said Len Neeb of Miller Poultry. “These donations will go directly to the food pantries who assist families all year long, which is important to us, especially this time of year.”

Food pantries

The 10 food pantries that will receive the donated poultry serve urban, suburban and rural parts of the region: Baxter Community Center; Flat River Outreach Ministries; North End Community Ministries; North Kent Community Services; John Knox Pantry; South End Community Outreach Ministries; Northwest Pantry; The Other Way; United Church Outreach Ministries; and Salvation Army Social Services.

"Many of our families are having a tough time right now, especially with the high cost of heating bills during winter months,” said John Leale, warehouse manager, North Kent Community Services. “This donation is such a blessing and will help many people through the holidays.”

More than 18,000 Kent County residents receive food each month through the Access Pantry Network of 75 food pantries, according to Access of West Michigan, a nonprofit that connects local resources to food pantries in Kent County.