Committed to ending childhood hunger in Ionia and Montcalm counties, IM Kids 3^rd Meal provides read-to-eat meals for food-insecure children. In 2021, the organization was seeking funding for a truck, recognizing there was a need for a permanent vehicle to expand program. When GACF learned of the need for a truck, the Board of Trustees awarded a $10,000 matching grant to IM Kids 3^rd Meal, helping to raise the necessary funds for the truck and creating a ripple effect of impact for the nonprofit.  

“The matching dollars from the Greenville Area Community Foundation increased the visibility and creditability of the IM Kids 3^rd Meal program within our local communities. This has led to greater engagement and commitment from our communities both in giving and volunteering,” shared Deb Wagner, Executive Director, “The matching grant had a huge impact on allowing us to double our fundraising revenue for our IM Kids 3^rd Meal box truck. It provided a great incentive for donors when they realized that their donation was going to be doubled.” 

The box truck has helped the program to transport more cost-effective fresh food from vendors and allowed IM Kids 3^rd Meal to offer summer programming in high-needs areas.  

Deb Wagner emphasizes the value of community foundation partnerships. “People should know that the Greenville Area Community Foundation works with you to make a difference by meeting the current and future needs of our local communities. The support IM Kids 3^rd Meal has received has helped us create a sustainable program to serve food-insecure children in Montcalm and Ionia counties.”  

As GACF celebrates its 35th anniversary, we bring together the collective stories of donors, nonprofits, students, and community members to demonstrate the power of philanthropy in creating lasting impact and a stronger future.