Kids' Food Basket asks lawmakers for $1M to expand meals and nutrition programs for 11,500 children

Kids' Food Basket CEO Bridget Clark Whitney told the House LEO subcommittee the nonprofit serves roughly 11,500 nutrient‑dense sack meals each weekday in 68 elementary schools across Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties, focusing on schools where more than 70% of students live at or below the poverty line.

"Each and every weekday, we're serving approximately 11,500 healthy, nourishing meals to children in 68 elementary schools," Whitney said, describing the organization’s expansion of school-based nutrition education and three organic, chemical‑free farm sites used for experiential learning. She said prior state investments helped the group take five schools off its waiting list and expand nutrition education to roughly 3,000 additional students per year.

Whitney cited school-level outcomes from partner districts — including a reported increase in national test scores and significant reductions in suspensions at schools that began receiving daily meals and the nonprofit’s education programming — and said Kids' Food Basket also provides garden kits and classroom curriculum to teach children where food comes from and how to grow it. The organization reported $1.2 million of $2.1 million raised for the Glenski Park project in a different presentation and described ongoing fundraising for expansion.

Next steps: No appropriation was recorded in the hearing. Committee members thanked presenters and indicated the request will be considered within the broader appropriations process; sponsors may be asked for additional program data or budget plans.