Accomplishments
DOUGLAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and SAUGATUCK MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL
Participation with Douglas Elementary School began with a pilot program in 2017 with thirty students, and has expanded as students progressed to middle and high school. With support of the Community Church of Douglas (CCD), approximately 36 students are currently enrolled in the weekend backpack program. The CCD is responsible for food acquisition, storage, preparation and delivery of weekend backpack bags that are sent home each week with qualified students.
We also provide a snack program and after school snacks during the school year.
FENNVILLE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL
Participation with Fennville Elementary School began in the 2018-2019 school year, and has expanded as students progressed to middle and high school. Over 175 students are currently participating in this program.
We also provide a snack program for the Fennville SOAR program.
INNOCADEMY FENNVILLE
Forty students are currently participating in the weekend backpack food program in this year round charter school.
SHANGRAI-LA MOBILE HOME PARK – SAUGATUCK
CFL delivers approximately 65 weekend backpack food bags weekly during our summer program to the Shangrai-La Mobile Home Park. During the school year, many of these students participate in our program through the Saugatuck School System.
Eric Jipp
President - Board member since 2024
VPGM UFP Technologies
“As a parent I know what a pivotal role nutritious and easily accessible food plays in children's lives. Working with CFL, I can make a positive impact on children in my own community.”
Sharon Shanahan
Vice President - Board member since 2018
Restaurant/Caterer
“The knowledge that we are making a positive difference to some of our local kids’ immediate future is a powerful thing.”
Joseph Blodgett MD
Treasurer – Board member since 2017
Pediatrician with Corewell Health, Holland
“No child should go hungry!”
Janet Schmidt
Secretary - Board member since 2020
Community Volunteer Extraordinaire
“I enjoy working with all members of the community—especially children in need.”
Birdie Wester Holley
School Administration Liaison - Board member since 2024
Property Manager with Relax Rentals, Resort Manager with Old Pike Cottages
“It is a pleasure to spread kindness, and be good to others, as much as I am able. This board allows me the opportunity to do just that.”
Glen McNeil
Food Distribution Coordinator - Board member since 2017
Financial Advisor with Edward Jones
“What we do helps even the playing field and hopefully gives some local students the ability to focus on what a great education can provide.”
dr Jody Vogelzang
Food Procuring & Packing Coordinator- Board member since 2024.
Associate Professor and Graduate Clinical Dietetics Program Director, Grand Valley State University (retired)
Denise Adams
Fundraising & Grant Writing
It pains me that we have to fight for children’s basic needs. Throwing money at it helps because we need to purchase food, but that is only part of the solution. Children need real opportunities to succeed. They need hope and a good life and to be given a chance. If children are hungry how will they succeed?
George Stoutin
Fundraising & Grant Writing - Board member since 2017
Financial Advisor with Edward Jones
“Working with Ron Collins back in 2016, our goal was to create a sustainable organization to combat hunger in Allegan County and assemble a team to make this happen!”
Jim Sellman
Director
Retired Real Estate Broker
“I’m involved in CFL because I have a passion for seeing that children can thrive and strive to be all they can be and food and nutrition are a key component to that.”
Stella Blubaugh
Representative of the Saugatuck High Interact Club
Board Member since 2025
“I aspire to help and become more involved in my community. I hope that I can help make a positive impact in my community in my new role.”
Mari VandePoel
Representative of the Saugatuck High Interact Club
Board Member since 2024
“By being a part of this organization, I hope to broaden my knowledge and understanding of our community and be able to contribute what I know to help achieve this.”