Specialty Programs - We have many special programs at Stone Soup to help those organizations that might not be able to get assistance elsewhere due to various reasons. Being an independent food bank allows us to form unique programs and partnerships so that we can best serve those in need. Some of our specialty programs: Seeds of Hope | Stepping Stones | Project Raising Hope | Louise & Lino’s Farm Market Our commitment: Develop unique programs to fill the needs of the community Seek out opportunities to create and develop programs vital to supporting the community Provide additional resources of support through the programs we create Work with other groups doing similar work for collaboration Quality Inventory - We pride ourselves on the quality of our products. Each week we get over 10K pounds of fresh assorted bread items and about 7K pounds of fresh vegetables. The pantries and agencies that we have partnered with are allowed to come in and pick up what they need and can use. As part of our quality commitment, we have our own greenhouse where we can grow our own vegetables. The vegetables grown at our garden are then added to our food distributions. Our commitment: Continue to have quality inventory for those needing food assistance. Research additional means to secure more quality products. Use our own resources as a way to provide quality products. Work with vendors that align with our North Star commitment.
Community Outreach - We are committed to engaging and connecting with the communities we serve to provide support, share information and gather input. In building relationships and seek to understand the needs of those we serve and address these challenges. Our goal is to empower, educate and support. Our commitment: Understand the needs of those seeking food assistance and help Build relationships and establish a trust system Enhance the community's wellbeing Collaborate and build a strong foundation for lasting impact and support
Defining what is important
We have defined the most important points of our commitment to those we serve:
Agency Partnerships
Specialty Programs
Quality Inventory
Community Outreach
Donor Relations
Agency Partnerships -We have a presence in 13 counties in lower Michigan and have approximately 95 pantries, organizations and/or agencies that we work with. When we commit to working with you; we are looking for a long term relationship and we want to know how we can serve you best. What products do you need or want, when do you need them and most importantly what other events can we help you with? By forming a long lasting partnership this enables each other to grow and to best help serve those needing food assistance. Our commitment: Build trust and set clear expectations Establish a strong communication format with you via email, phone or in person Check in frequently with you to keep us on track regarding your needs Share our common goals and create a plan to accomplish them
Donor Relations - We understand the importance of our donors. Without them we simply could not do the work of our mission. Our goal is to build trust and to demonstrate the impact of our donor's contributions. We have several ways to donate to Stone Soup, via PayPal, Kroger Rewards, Hands of Hope or simply sending a donation in the mail as well as stopping into our office located at 475 South Court Street, Lapeer MI Our commitment: Show appreciation for donations Communicate on a regular basis with our donor base Engage our donors to participate in our events and volunteer opportunities Recognize the importance of acknowledging our donors and their contributions
