Family Fare, whose parent company is SpartanNash, has been operating in its Paw Paw location since 2007. The relationship between Family Fare and the pantry began shortly after that, and its support has been instrumental in allowing the pantry to keep an inventory that meets the needs of our Paw Paw and Lawton communities.

Family Fare’s philanthropical strategy aligns with three primary pillars:  Hunger, Heroes, Hope.


Its Hunger pillar supports:
- Reducing food waste
- Fighting food insecurity
- Health and nutrition access and education


Through the Direct Your Dollars Program, the pantry has benefited from approximately $19,000 in donations from Family Fare over the last five years, aligning with its focus in ‘fighting food insecurity.’ That, in turn, has granted us the potential to purchase $190,000 of food through Feeding America (where we are able to purchase $10 of food for every dollar received through such donations). “That is huge, and we value the support and the strong relationship we have with Family Fare,” states Sue Miller, the pantry’s Executive Director.


Although the Direct Your Dollars Program has reached its sunset, David Rife, the new store manager, is excited to share that new and improved programs through “Our Family Cares,” are being offered. “This is an important shift where stores in specific communities get the opportunity to further grow relationships with community organizations and residents alike, and that creates a stronger bond and direct community impact.”


David, who recently transferred from the Battle Creek Pennfield supermarket location, is excited to be back on his “home turf,” having resided in Paw Paw throughout his childhood years and having worked at the Paw Paw Family Fare location as a teen. “I am and always have been community driven,” states David, “and working for an organization that values “service to others,” fits and allows me both individually and organizationally to do what I believe in through giving back to community.”

 

Family Fare has also been very generous over the years with its holiday Round-Up Fundraiser, which just this past holiday season benefitted the pantry with $2,800.


The “Direct Your Dollars” Program officially ended March 1, and the pantry no longer needs grocery receipts. “We thank those who have been committed to turning in those receipts and thus allowing us to accumulate the necessary amounts to receive significant Family Fare contributions,” shares Sue Miller.


"We are pleased to recognize Family Fare in the pantry’s 'Business Supporter Spotlight,' and we can’t thank you enough for your ongoing support," shares Community Outreach Representative Rhonda Stull.