FLINT (WJRT) -
(09/26/11) - Less funding is forcing nonprofit agencies to find alternatives to stay afloat.
For example, each year Catholic Charities uses a little less than $100,000 in food grants and donations.
This year, FEMA and DHS cut grants bringing Catholic Charities annual funding to roughly $25-30,000, that's a two-third cut.
In an effort to replace lost funding, Catholic Charities kicked off a new program.
The agency says they want to continue to "Feed Genesee" county.
They have come up with an idea that may allow them to do it with less money.
On average about one-hundred-fifty people line up for a warm meal at the North End Soup Kitchen in Flint daily.
Many church groups like the Bristol United Methodist volunteer their time at the Kitchen but this church is doing something extra. They not only purchase the food, they make it from scratch, serve it and clean up afterwards. Bristol United Methodist Church inspired Catholic Charities to create a new program called "Cookin to Feed Genesee."
Not only are churches being asked to participate but local restaurants can bring their specialty to the table as well.
Italia Gardens Catering is leading the way by being the first restaurant that is "Cookin to Feed Genesee."
Chef Pat Haley is excited about the collaboration. "We'll be creating menus that will be Italian meals but they deal with a lot rice here and we'll be making meals that people will really enjoy."
North End Soup Kitchen director Jon Manse says they have to be creative. "We have to think outside of the box and figure out how are we able to bring in more food, or more dollars, or more food drives so we don't have to spend the money that we quite frankly don't have."
Bristol United Methodist Church volunteers just once a month.
Catholic Charities is trying to find one church or organization for each day during the month of March.
Please call (810) 785-6911, if your church or organization is interested in volunteering, donating leftover catered food, or would like to prepare a meal.
