Gentex cereal drive helps families as food costs climb

When rising food costs left a major gap for families in Ottawa County, local manufacturer Gentex joined hundreds of other community members to help fill it – one box of cereal at a time.

Community Action House, a Holland-based nonprofit, announced that Gentex employees collected 596 pounds of cereal during a July food drive. The effort came at a time when the organization is serving more families than ever before.

GentexGentex employees at 12 locations set up collection bins, exceeded the donation goal, and contributed financially to close the funding gap.

In April, Community Action House reported one of its busiest months at its Food Club. More than 1,500 families now turn to the market-style pantry each month for fresh produce and groceries. But a sudden freeze in federal food supply programs left the nonprofit facing an unexpected $150,000 annual shortfall.

Gentex employees across 12 locations set up collection bins and surpassed the company’s donation goal, while also making a financial contribution to help close the funding gap.

“Gentex has been a longstanding partner of ours, supporting us through food drives, volunteering, and generous financial gifts,” says Scott Rumpsa, CEO of Community Action House. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Gentex team for stepping up again during a time of increased need — and we know that our community’s generosity will continue to power our shared work through this season of change.”
Gentex’s Emerging Professionals Business Resource Group mobilized the drive. 

Help from families, churches, businesses

“When we heard about the funding shortage, our group put the request out to the broader Gentex team, and they delivered,” says Josh O’Berski, director of investor relations at Gentex. “Gentex seeks to be a positive force in the communities in which we operate.”

The company’s support joined donations from more than 120 families, churches, businesses, and partners, including Fellowship Reformed Church and Pillar Church.

GentexGentex warehouse employees move a pallet of cereal donations for Community Action House.

A grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund also helped Community Action House close the immediate funding gap.

Still, leaders say the work is far from over. United Way estimates that more than 35,000 Ottawa County residents struggle to meet basic needs, including 14,000 children who rely on free or reduced-price school lunches. During summer months, many families face added strain.

Community Action House provides an average of 765 boxes of cereal each month, part of a wider effort to offer dignified access to healthy food. The nonprofit is inviting others to host drives, volunteer or contribute financially as it prepares for continued demand.

“This kind of response shows what happens when a community comes together,” Rumpsa says. “It’s a reminder that local solutions can meet even the toughest challenges when we act together.”

More information about supporting Community Action House is available at communityactionhouse.org.