From AmeriCorps VISTA to Food Rescue Director — Taylor Moore’s journey is a powerful reminder of how national service programs build local leadership. In a recent Record-Eagle letter to the editor, Taylor reflected on how AmeriCorps shaped his career and helped grow food security programs across Northern Michigan. Cuts to the AmeriCorps VISTA program have ripple effects: a planned new role at our Goodwill Food Rescue program — focused on expanding our Healthy Harvest initiative and launching a peer-to-peer food rescue app — was part of the fallout, as were programs at SEEDS and Crosshatch. Taylor’s words are his own, written as a citizen. We’re proud to share them. 💬 #FoodRescue #AmeriCorpsAlum #ServiceMatters #GoodwillNMI #NoWasteJustHope (fb)

Food Rescue works through our partnerships with incredible people and organizations. Today we’re spotlighting one of these partners, Acme Christian Thrift Store and Food Pantry, in their own words: The land our pantry is on was once my father’s dairy farm. I grew up here, baling hay, spreading manure, planting gardens. After retirement, I came back to serve the community. As Director of Operations, I’m responsible for whatever happens in the building. We have only two other paid staff — the rest are volunteers. On an average month, we have 60 to 75 volunteers working across the store, pantry, and receiving area. Our volunteers walk through with each client and talk through how to use the items. Sometimes we provide recipes — especially for unusual produce. Food Rescue has really been a blessing for us. We’ve been able to offer more fresh, healthy food to our pantry clients — our guests love it. Food Rescue provides us with fresh produce, bread, and meat. We’ve gone from one old chest freezer to five total units — all thanks to grants and growing Food Rescue support. Clients know the Food Rescue trucks come on Tuesdays and Fridays. That’s why Wednesday afternoons are slower — they want early appointments on Food Rescue delivery days to get the best selection. That’s a tribute to Food Rescue. There are surprises that bring joy — like when Food Rescue brings flowers. They love that. Baked goods are also a big hit. With the new freezer space at Food Rescue, we’ve started getting more frozen food. Our clients really appreciate it — especially seniors or people with arthritis, who may struggle with food preparation. Food Rescue is amazing. Their support means we can provide healthier food, save money, and serve with dignity. The drivers are wonderful. The variety is exciting. And when there’s extra at the end of the day, we make sure nothing goes to waste. — Carol Hockin, Director of Operations, Acme Christian Thrift Store & Food Pantry (fb)