Grow It Forward in Manitowoc to host free drive-through food pantries
Grow It Forward offers drive-through food pantries Feb. 1 and Feb. 8
Grow It Forward, 1501 Marshall St., Manitowoc, will offer drive-through food pantries hosted by Feeding America from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 1 and Feb. 8.
The pantries are open to the public. Participants should not leave their vehicles at any time and should follow directions on posted signs and be sure to have room in their trunk or back seat to accommodate a food box. Volunteers will place the food box in the trunk or back seat.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has partnered with the USDA to distribute healthy food directly to high-need areas, free of charge. Quantities are limited and will be given away on a first come, first served basis. There is a limit of one box per vehicle, unless picking up on behalf of a homebound individual. Each party accepting a box is certifying that they are food insecure, lack money or other resources, and are in need of the Farmers to Families Food Boxes for their household use.
For more information, contact Grow It Forward at 920-645-9467 or visit grow-it-forward.org.
Veterans Council names Veteran of the Year, Advocate of the Year
Tom Hoffman, chairman of the Manitowoc County United Veterans Council, announced the recipients of the Veteran of the Year and the Advocate of the Year.
Hoffman said in a news release that Veteran of the Year goes to Steve Noworatzky “for all he has done for the veterans and the community and his church.”
The Advocate of the Year goes to the Ant Hill Mob M.C. LTD, “for all they do for the veterans of not only Manitowoc County, but all over the state,” Hoffman said.
Grant awarded to reduce initiation age and misuse of underage alcohol, nicotine and other substances
Healthiest Manitowoc County — Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition has received a $1.25 million, five-year SAMHSA Partnership for Success grant. The grant’s purpose is to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance misuse and its related problems while strengthening the local prevention coalition’s capacity and infrastructure.
HMC-SAP has been in existence since 2004. The coalition has supported the adoption of the first social host ordinance; provided ID scanners/wristbands for festivals; distributed prescription lockboxes and disposable bags; advocated for tobacco products to be placed behind sales counters; conducted alcohol and tobacco compliance checks; and engaged in numerous student, parent and community educational programs. Yet, youth rates of alcohol and vape products remain higher than state averages, the coalition said in a news release.
HMC-SAP said it will use the grant dollars to reduce access and acceptance of alcohol and vape products among minors.
The grant is also focused on increasing positive activities, connections and engagement for youth in Manitowoc County, according to the release.
The PFS grant coordinator, David Yanda, was recently hired to coordinate grant efforts, serve as co-chairman of the coalition, establish stronger youth connections and support other community efforts that align with HMC-SAP’s goals.
Yanda is from the UW-La Crosse graduating class of 2019, with a bachelor’s degree in community health education. Previously, he has spent time as an intern for UW-Madison’s Environmental & Occupational Health Department as a data collector, and AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin as a needle exchange operator. In 2020, he passed the required exam to become a certified health Education specialist.
“As we build countywide capacity, representation from all community sectors, including schools, churches, business, media, parents, caregivers, educators, law enforcement and youth-serving agencies are sought,” the coalition said.
Those interested in partnering in the effort are encouraged to attend the HMC-SAP coalition meeting from 8 to 9:15 a.m. Feb. 11. The meeting Zoom link can be found at http://healthiestmc.org/calendar.
TOP LOCAL HEADLINES:
