Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
HFS expanded its space, staff, and programs in 2022, re-opening the in-person choice-model Market food shelf while continuing the drive-thru option developed in response to the pandemic, providing full food shelf orders to 52% more families. A refrigerated van, Market on the Move, was acquired during COVID allowing HFS to expand food rescue efforts with local grocers, resulting in over 92,000 additional pounds of food distributed in 2022. Market Cart, a mobile produce program expanded from serving one senior living community each month to weekly. In 2022, Meals on Wheels delivered 15,331 meals, Just Friends transportation volunteers logged over 22,000 miles in rides, 319 households received holiday meals and 233 children received school supplies. Emergency Assistance grants increased by 5 times and families received over $36,000 worth of clothing/household vouchers. Over 400 volunteers are now filling over 500 on-site shifts every week, driving for Just Friends and Meals on Wheels, and helping with seasonal programs.
Current Goals
Hastings Family Service went through a year of major growth and transition in 2022, so our current focus is to build a strong team while removing barriers, increasing access, and improving services. This year, HFS collaborated with FFEN to implement a new color system in our food shelf that eliminates the language and reading barriers that a prescribed shopping list can cause. The simplified process also allowed HFS to double the number of appointments we can do each day while also increasing choice. We partnered with summer community programs to provide lunches and snacks to kids, and we will be piloting a mini-Market in the Middle school this fall that will provide the opportunity for kids to take home a complete meal for their entire family after school. We are partnering with organizations and developing resources to respond to the changing environment and needs of the community in a respectful and comprehensive way, and we are always trying to find our way to yes!
Community or Constituency Served
HFS serves individuals and families, including people across the age spectrum living in Independent School District 200 who need assistance to meet their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, and transportation.
Geographic Area Served
We serve the Independent School District 200 (ISD 200). This includes the cities of Hastings, Miesville, New Trier and Vermillion; and portions of Denmark and Douglas townships, Hampton and Hampton township, Marshan, Nininger, Ravenna, Vermillion and Welch townships.
