Jose A. Lopez
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Jose A. Lopez  – From left to right: Donna Perry, Cathy Howell, Kat Ballard, Becky Ridler (Director of Heart and Hands), and Ida Raymond.)

For many, food is a love language—and Heart and Hands has spoken it fluently since 1981, serving as a lifeline for Eaton Rapids families in need.

“Our main goal is to serve the Eaton Rapids community, but we also serve the greater Lansing area,” said Becky Ridler, the pantry’s director. “Anybody who shows up to our food pantry receives food.”

While appointments are encouraged, Ridler ensures no one is turned away. At Heart and Hands, everyone is considered a friend and neighbor.

A Community Together

Heart and Hands sources food from the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Meijer, and local donors. Recent contributions include 1,200 pounds of food from ER Medical Center’s Harvest Gathering, weekly purchases from Moo-ville Creamery, and 140 turkeys donated by the Cartwright Foundation, in addition to the Rotary Club and ERHS Interact Club’s fundraising events, and several other local businesses — the community has come together to play a pivotal role.

“We try to help them out, and they also help us,” Ridler said. “Our monetary donations are from churches in the area, and just individuals in the community.” She added that while “any donations are great,” monetary donations stretch further. “We can purchase food for 9 cents a pound on most USDA stuff … on any of the products that we get at Greater Lansing Food Bank.” Still, she acknowledged that “any non-perishable stuff is wonderful.”

Beyond food, Heart and Hands fosters a strong sense of community. “People donate cards, so if we know someone is going through something, one of our families will do a card from the ladies at the pantry, and everybody signs it.” She shared a recent story: “There’s someone coming in tonight that has a birthday, so we went through and found cake and icing so they can make a cake.”

Meeting Every Need

In addition to food, the pantry distributes feminine hygiene supplies (through a partnership with Lansing-based Helping Women Period), and handcrafted knitted hats and blankets donated by the community.

Some families hesitate to seek help, but Ridler offers encouragement. “I’m really not that much in need, someone else probably needs it more,” some people say. Ridler reassures them: “We have the resources. If you’re hungry, come get food. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about—we’ve all been there.”

“We want our neighbors to feel comfortable,” she emphasized.

The Future Ahead

As demand increases, Heart and Hands is seeking a new location to better serve families, aiming for a space that’s more accessible and discreet to ensure families feel comfortable coming for assistance.

“So hopefully we’ll have our own space, with that stipulation,” Ridler said.

While the pantry is always in need of donations, Ridler stressed the importance of thoughtful giving. Monetary donations go further, as they allow the pantry to buy discounted food through partnerships like the Greater Lansing Food Bank. However, all contributions—monetary, non-perishable items, or other supplies—are appreciated.

How to Support and Be Supported

Heart and Hands Food Pantry remains a pillar of hope and compassion in Eaton Rapids, made possible by the generosity of the community to support their neighbors in need. They are located at 9220 Kinneville Rd. (separate rear entrance of First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids) and are open three days a week—Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. To learn more about donating, volunteering, or receiving help from your friends at Heart and Hands, visit heartandhandser.org or call (517) 663-7104.