Mitten Foundation, Inc.

10/09/2026

Hunger Hop sponsor profile: Gordon Food Service!

“For over 125 years, we’ve delivered the excellence, expertise, and quality products our customers need to design successful food operations and experiences. We’ve grown to become the largest family-operated broad-line food distribution company in North America by upholding the same business approach since 1897—being passionately committed to the people we serve.”

GFS has also been working with The Mitten Brewing Co. since we opened in 2012.

Gordon Food Service’s sponsorship of the 2026 Hunger Hop provided 4,500 meals for our food insecure neighbors!

09/29/2026

Thank you for bringing your joy and enthusiasm last Thursday, we achieve amazing things together! 80,000 meals for our food insecure neighbors; we did that.

09/29/2026

Hunger Hop sponsor profile: Merchandise Equipment and Supply!

"Merchandise Equipment & Supply, Inc. (MES) has been a proud part of the West Michigan business community since 1948. What began as a small vending company founded by Joseph Lipinski has evolved into Grand Rapids’ leading foodservice equipment and supply dealer, built on decades of dedication, strong relationships, and a commitment to local businesses.

From our early days selling ci******es and candy in vending machines to expanding into bar supplies, foodservice equipment, and full-service kitchen solutions, MES has grown by listening to our customers and delivering what they need. With each generation—first with Don and Doug Lipinski, then their sons, Don Jr. and Jeff Lipinski—we’ve continued to innovate, expand, and strengthen our role in the industry.

Today, MES operates from a 40,000-square-foot headquarters in the city of Walker, featuring a 10,000-square-foot showroom. Our commitment remains the same: providing top-tier foodservice solutions while staying true to our roots."

Merchandise Equipment and Supply's sponsorship of the 2026 Hunger Hop provided 4,500 meals for our food-insecure neighbors!

09/28/2026

Hunger Hop sponsor profile: Break Room Therapy!

"Owners Dawn and David saw a need to provide others with a real outlet for the emotions we all carry. Too often, when life gets heavy, we’re told “it will be ok” and expected to just move on—but that doesn’t make the feelings go away.

For Dawn, this idea became deeply personal. After growing up in the foster care system and experiencing years of abuse, she understood what it feels like to carry emotions without a safe place to release them. When she first learned that rage rooms existed, the thought was immediate—we need this here.

Not just as something fun, but as something meaningful.

Break Room Therapy was built to be that space—a place where people can safely and physically release what’s been building up. Ever been told to scream into a pillow? Why stay quiet? Here, you can let it go—scream if you need to, swing that bat, and watch the weight of it all start to break apart.

It’s amazing how much lighter you can feel when you finally allow yourself to release it."

Break Room Therapy's sponsorship of the 2026 Hunger Hop provided 4,500 meals for our food-insecure neighbors!

09/25/2026

9-25
A great day to remember Dolly by learning more about our local chapter supporting Dolly's Imagination Library. Check them out and consider a donation to their amazing work bringing books to our neighborhood children.

Today, we’re celebrating the people who .

To everyone who has donated, volunteered, celebrated, spread the word, partnered with us, or simply believes every child should have books of their own: thank you.

Because of you, more children in West Michigan will receive a free book every month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Your generosity helps bring the joy of reading into homes, spark imaginations, and create special moments between children and the people who love them.

A special thank you to our generous sponsors and community partners today, who in various ways are giving back to our program and our West Michigan children. We’re so grateful to have a community that continues that spirit of giving on Give Like Dolly Day and everyday.

- Wealthy Theatre Wealthy Theatre
- Saint Mark's Church St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids
- A La Mode A La Mode
- Rockford Footwear Depot Rockford Footwear Depot
- Stan's Bar Stan's Bar
- The Book Cellar Book Cellar
- Off the Chain Brewstillery Off The Chain Brewstillery
- Royal Neighbors of America
- In Memory of Anthony Culver
- Books & Mortar Books & Mortar
- Childress Ink ~ Ink-a-Dink Ink-a-Dink
- Outfront
- F'nK Tacos F'n K Tacos
- Print GR
- The Unicorn Tavern The Unicorn Tavern
- Katie Behrens Kleo Kolor Brand Partner
- Robinette's Robinette's
- Grand Rapids Tech Grand Rapids Tech
- Kent District Library Kent District Library
- Grand Rapids Public Library Grand Rapids Public Library
- Cedar Springs Public Library Cedar Springs Public Library
- Applesauce Press
- Lakes Elementary PTO Lakes Elementary PTO - Rockford, MI
- Rotary Club of Spring Lake Spring Lake Rotary Club
- The Blu Door The Blu Door
- Cheapstacks Used Bookstore
- Loutit District Library Loutit District Library

Thank you for helping us carry on Dolly's legacy by giving the gift of books.

09/22/2026

HUNGER HOP week is HERE!

There is no better way to let your neighbors know you are the laziest person on your block than by completing this grueling 0.01K (32.8 feet) race and placing this sticker on your car to prove it!

Registration is STILL OPEN but closing fast—sign up link is in the comments!

ABOUT: The 2026 Mitten Foundation, Inc. "Hunger Hop," presented by Mercantile Bank, Rockford Construction, and OVD Insurance, is a benefit for Feeding America West Michigan mobile food pantries on the Westside of Grand Rapids.

WHO: YOU!
WHAT: A 0.01K (32.8 feet) Fun “Run” that is actually more about sampling the fine food and drink the Westside’s Hot Corner has to offer!
WHERE: The corner of Leonard and Quarry NW (street will be closed)!
WHEN: Thursday, 9/24/26 from 4 pm to 8 pm!
WHY: To underwrite Westside mobile food pantries through our longtime partners at Feeding America West Michigan!

HOW MUCH: $50/person for 21+, $25/ea for under 21—children welcome!

FEATURING:
• Food from Two Scotts Barbecue and The Mitten Brewing Co!
• Drinks from Long Road Distillers, The Peoples C***r Co., and The Mitten!
• A grueling 32-foot-long race!
• Games, costume contest, live music from Klay Fennema, prizes, and more!

09/18/2026

09/15/2026

Look at this amazing line up of sponsors!
Register now to participate:

https://mittenfoundation.com/hunger-hop-registration

The Mitten Foundation, Inc./Feeding America West Michigan "Hunger Hop" takes a village, and this year our village was bigger than ever!

We would like to thank our generous sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible:

TITLE SPONSORS (each providing 22,500 free meals for our food-insecure neighbors):
• Mercantile Bank
• Rockford Construction
• OVD Insurance

GOLD SPONSORS (each providing 9,000 free meals for our food-insecure neighbors):
• GLP Financial Group of West MI
• Alliance Beverage
• Experience Grand Rapids
• Andrus Advisors, LLC
• Keystone Community Church
• BHS Insurance

BRONZE SPONSORS (each providing 4,500 free meals for our food-insecure neighbors):
• Break Room Therapy
• Fred and Gina Bivins
• Gordon Food Service
• Merchandise Equipment and Supply

MUSIC SPONSORS:
• Green Advisory & Money Concepts
• Steven and Rachel Hollowell

REGISTRATION SPONSOR:
• Garden of Hop

STARTING LINE SPONSOR:
• Agile Bodywork

MIDPOINT SPONSOR:
• Mieras Family Shoes

FINISH LINE SPONSOR:
• Holland Litho Printing Service

There is still time to sign up—link in the comments!

09/15/2026

THANK YOU to all of the generous sponsors of the second annual Mitten Foundation/Feeding America West Michigan "Hunger Hop!"

The Mitten Foundation, Inc./Feeding America West Michigan "Hunger Hop" takes a village, and this year our village was bigger than ever!

We would like to thank our generous sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible:

TITLE SPONSORS (each providing 22,500 free meals for our food-insecure neighbors):
• Mercantile Bank
• Rockford Construction
• OVD Insurance

GOLD SPONSORS (each providing 9,000 free meals for our food-insecure neighbors):
• GLP Financial Group of West MI
• Alliance Beverage
• Experience Grand Rapids
• Andrus Advisors, LLC
• Keystone Community Church
• BHS Insurance

BRONZE SPONSORS (each providing 4,500 free meals for our food-insecure neighbors):
• Break Room Therapy
• Fred and Gina Bivins
• Gordon Food Service
• Merchandise Equipment and Supply

MUSIC SPONSORS:
• Green Advisory & Money Concepts
• Steven and Rachel Hollowell

REGISTRATION SPONSOR:
• Garden of Hop

STARTING LINE SPONSOR:
• Agile Bodywork

MIDPOINT SPONSOR:
• Mieras Family Shoes

FINISH LINE SPONSOR:
• Holland Litho Printing Service

There is still time to sign up—link in the comments!

04/26/2026

Join us Monday to support Autism Support of Kent County, Inc. We love this organization and all they do for our neighbors.

The Mitten Brewing Co. is a vintage baseball-themed microbrewery that expertly pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas.