HANDS ON HUNGER PANTRY SPOTLIGHT: Higher Ground Community Impact INC
We’re excited to spotlight Hands On Hunger’s pantry: Higher Ground Community Impact INC
Learn more about Higher Ground Community Impact INC below!
Tell us about why you applied to the Hands On Hunger Program and what you're goals are for the next two years
We applied to Hands on Hunger Program because we believe no family should have to struggle to put food on the table. Through Higher Ground Community Impact, we have provided free groceries to families in our community on the 2nd & 4th Saturday’s of each month for the past three years. Over the next two years, our goal is to expand our reach, serve more families, strength community partnerships, and develop additional programs that address the need of those we serve. Ultimately, we want to go beyond handing someone a bag of groceries. We want people to know they are valued, seen, and supported.
Tell us about your organization - what's your mission, and how does it impact our community?
HGCI is committed to strengthening families and improving quality of life in our community by meeting people where they are and connecting them with needed resources. Our mission is to serve, empower, and uplift individuals and families by addressing practical needs while creating opportunities for lasting positive change.
What's the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
HGCI was created out of a desire to serve our community in a practical and meaningful way. What began as a commitment to meet an immediate need has grown into an ongoing community outreach ministry. For the last three years we have provided free groceries to families on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.
How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What is possible through the support of volunteers that would not be possible otherwise?
Volunteers are essential to the mission of HGCI. They help us organize, pack, distribute groceries while also welcoming and connecting with the families we serve. Their impact allows us to serve more people efficiently and with greater dignity. Volunteers also bring their skills, compassion, and community connections, helping us build stronger relationships and partnerships.
What community problem is your organization trying to solve? Can you tell us more about the issue?
HGCI is working to address food insecurity and challenges families face when they do not have enough resources to consistently provide nutritious food for themselves and their households. Many people are working hard but still find themselves facing difficult choices between food and other essential expenses.
Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization? For example, how many meals/families/individuals do you serve monthly?
HGCI serves over 500+ families on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each months. Our impact is measured not only by the groceries distributed, but also by the relationships and trust we have built within the community.
What kind of programming do you offer the community?
HGCI currently provides food assistance through free grocery distributions on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. We are also focused on developing additional community programming that addresses the broader need of families. Our goal is to grow from providing immediate assistance to creating pathways that empower individuals and families to thrive.
Tell us about what it's like to serve with your organization. How many volunteers do you host every month?
Serving with HGCI is a hands-on and rewarding experience. Volunteers work alongside our team to prepare, organize, and distribute groceries while interacting directly with the individuals and families we serve.
Tell us about how volunteers can jump in and get involved. How can they best support you?
Volunteers can jump in immediately by helping with our 2nd & 4th Saturday grocery distributions. They can assist with sorting and packing food, setting up, serving families, distributing groceries and cleanup.
Higher Ground Community Impact INC