Back to basics: Supporting families and building the community. Kelli Vanderburg’s commentary in the Alpena News on September 24 was enlightening. She reminds us of the importance of building a stable and healthy environment for our children, so they can build their own foundation to advance in life and, in turn, support our community. If you start with access to a strong education, health and safety, economic security, and family and community, you provide them with a solid base to move forward, contribute to society, and build their own strong families. It takes all of us to align the pieces so “every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

That is what the League of Women Voters of Northeast Michigan did when they collaborated with and sponsored the Local Heroes Fighting Hunger Program held at the Library on September 20. This event provided opportunities for the community to meet at least 16 organizations with varying food programs that need volunteers and financial support to address the nutritional needs of this community, of all ages. The food insecurity rate in Michigan is 8.4% yet Alpena County is a staggering 18.7% overall and 22% for our children (2023). Thank you to the League of Women Voters for taking action to bring everyone together to build a stronger and healthier community! I count you among the local heroes you so timely brought to us on September 20. There is still time for you to participate and eliminate food insecurity in our community.

Lora Greene

Atlanta