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Be sure to mark your calendars for this perennial favorite: the Big Change Equals Big Change event. The annual event is slated for Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. The fundraiser supports the work of 5Loaves2Fish Northern Michigan—an outreach group that serves Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie counties. This event marks the third year the organization has presented the event to raise awareness for homelessness and food insecurity in Northern Michigan. 5Loaves2FishNMI has served over 11,000 homemade meals made with love year-to-date and anticipates serving over 20,000 meals in 2024, doubling the numbers from 2022. The proceeds of this event will go directly to food purchases to continue the mission of “promoting compassion by providing nourishing meals, infused with love, to those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. We feed people.”

For 43% of Leelanau County’s 22,000 residents, Thanksgiving does not necessarily feel like a time of abundance and cheer. It is like most other days of the year when the stress of food insecurity is a nagging reality. Bill and Michelle White, residents of Leland and founders of 5Loaves2FishNMI, would like people to know is that it is okay to ask for help. According to Bill, “There is a stigma behind being food insecure, and pride stops people from asking.” 5L2F is an outreach group that promotes social justice by providing nourishing meals, infused with love, to those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. The Whites founded the nonprofit to serve people in need around Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties.