With support from our generous donors, Open Your Heart provided Hasting Family Service with funding to help equip Hastings Family Service’s Market with needed equipment that will address space needs for expanded programs and assist with food storage/safety, volunteer safety, and items needed for a mobile food shelf and increased food rescue. Support from Open Your Heart has
had a tremendous impact on the ability at Hastings Family Service to operate efficiently and remove barriers for
our neighbors while expanding food programs to meet the needs of the community. Hastings Family Service (HFS) has been helping the people of Hastings and the surrounding communities meet their basic needs of food, shelter, transportation, and clothing since 1970. HFS offers financial assistance, services for people experiencing homelessness, Just Friends transportation, clothing, and household vouchers through our Rivertown Treasures thrift store, school supplies, Project Share holiday assistance, Meals on Wheels, and
Information/Referrals. The goal is to make sure the neighbors we serve have access to the food and nutrition they need for their families. During the pandemic, the need for additional space and equipment was exacerbated as HFS modified the way food is distributed, creating a drive-thru food shelf model, and adding a new refrigerated van to expand food rescue and develop mobile food shelf programming. The equipment provided through the grant from OYH enhances safety for volunteers and efficiently moves food throughout the organization, allowing HFS to expand services to meet the higher need.