Food insecurity is an official term from the US Department of Agriculture. It's when people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from. It's a big problem in the United States, where 47 million people, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity annually. However, millions who do not meet the definition of food insecure, turn to the charitable food sector for support. In Ottawa County, we have over 32,000 people who are food insecure.

One movement that's combating this crisis is the micro pantry movement, which is a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate, local needs. The concept behind these pantries is simple. Take what you need, leave what you can.

Click here to find one in your area of the country. We also recommend to locals to connect with Harvest Stand Ministries if they're interested in learning more about this movement in West Michigan. Additional resources, including build your own pantry (for your church?) are found here.

Charlie, along with some help from his mom, has perfected the art of crockpot Mac & Cheese. Below is his personal recipe - make sure to watch the video tutorial at the bottom of this page -  enjoy!

Mac & Cheese

24 oz Elbow Macaroni - cooked for four minutes

16 oz Monterey Jack Cheese - cubed

16 oz Colby Cheese - cubed

32 oz Velveeta - cubed

1 Stick of Butter - cut into slices

2½ Cups Whole Milk

Combine the pasta (as stated above, not fully cooked), the cheeses, butter, and milk into a crockpot set on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2 hours.