NORTH LOWELL COMPLETES MIRACLE COMEBACK!

WINS BY 29 ITEMS AFTER FINAL BARREL COUNT!

Saturday, July 9

FINAL SCORE

     It was a tense moment at FROM.  All the trucks were in, all the barrels unloaded and all the items were counted.  Except one red North Team barrel.  At that very moment, the South team led by 239 items.  Everyone stopped and watched as the last items were pulled from the barrel.  The final North score was announced to the scorekeeper, "268 North".  It was not the ending that most expected.  The South led by over 1,000 at the end of the third quarter, 10 days earlier and looked like a cinch to with their second consecutive Food Fight Championship.  However, the North never gave up, chipping away at the huge lead a little bit at a time.  Down by 398 heading to the parade, the North came to Main St. ready to march to victory and that they did.  They did it by scoring a record 4,845 items in the fourth quarter and by garnering a decisive edge at the parade.  The 2011 FROM Food Fight totaled 32,327 food items and dollars to benefit Flat River Outreach Ministries Food Pantry!  The 2010 total was 16,383 and 2009 total was 8,496.  Wow!  What a finish!  And what a community!  Thank you Lowell, FROM the bottom of our hearts!

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FINAL PICK-UP DAY YIELDS NEARLY 2,000!

SOUTH EXPANDS LEAD to 398!

Friday - July 8

                     One of many full trunk loads                 Waiting at Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club

     It was a long day, collecting over 50 buckets and barrels, but everyone at FROM was wearing a big smile.  Between the final collection of food containers, Pantry donations and Thrift Shop collections, the total score swelled by 1,856, which sent the total 2011 collections well over 30,000!  The South Lowell team recaptured their stride and flexed their team muscle to add a little more distance with their lead. 

     However, the Showdown is tomorrow.  The "2 minute warning" Food Fight Parade begins at noon.  All final food donations will be accepted in the large North and South collection barrels that will line the parade route.  After the parade, all the barrels will be transported to FROM for final counting and the winner will be announced at the Riverwalk concert at 7 pm.  Looks like another food fight photo finish!

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MOMENTUM HEADS NORTH!

TRIMS LEAD TO 62!

Thursday - July 7

     It was a remarkable scoring day for both teams, as area churches began bringing in their payload and Pantry contributions increased.  The shift in momentum is riding with the North team as they sliced another chunk off the South Lowell lead.  Almost methodically, the North team has chipped away at a solid 1,000 food item lead over the past week.  All containers will be picked up tomorrow to prepare for the Food Fight Parade. 

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SOUTH LEAD HOLDING STEADY!

HEADING TO PARADE SHOWDOWN!

Wednesday - July 6

     The South team finally ended the North team streak today, but not in a technical sense.  The North shaved 10 more off the lead to stand at 286 food items behind.  The clock is ticking with only 60 hours remaining until the "2 minute warning" Food Fight Parade.  Scoring today for the South were Heidi's Farmstand and second half superstar Deer Run Golf Course.  The North countered with Arrowhead Gold Course, Team Thompson Drive and a big play by Canfield Plumbing and Heating.  General Pantry donations chipped in some extra points for both teams.  Both rosters were informed that the final pick-up of food contributions and all buckets and barrels will be this Friday afternoon. 

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THE NORTH STARS ARE SHINING BRIGHT!

LEAD CUT TO 296!

 Tuesday - July 5

     The month of July has been magical for the North Lowell team, as in five consecutive winning days, cutting the South team lead from over 1,000 food items to 296.  The South controlled the general donations and had a slight edge in Pantry contributions, but the North players pulled together and played as a team.  Sneakers Bar & Grill, Springrove Variety and the Buyer's Guide/Ledger all began the day with impressive gains.  Then, Wittenbach GMC, Rite Aid and B.C. Pizza tossed in some big points and City Looks capped off a big scoring day for the North.  Scoring for the South were Keiser's Kitchen, Rookies Sportscards Plus, Mynt Fusion Bistro and Sprint.  Can the North continue their late game dominance?

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THE FINAL WEEK!  THE FINAL QUARTER!

SOUTH LOWELL LEADS BY 458!

Monday - July 4

     Here we go again!  The final days of the 2011 Food Fight are here.  As with the previous two years, there have been several lead changes and several heroes for both teams.  The North team moved ahead in the first quarter, showing team strength with everyone scoring, as they broke the record for scoring in a single quarter, 4,763 food items.  However, the South team wasn't far behind.  The lead changed hands several times throughout the second quarter.  Then the North exploded just before halftime and headed to the locker room with a comfortable 688 food item lead.

     The second half opened with much of the same North team strength, as they posted a 900+ item lead, early in the third quarter.  The South slowly and methodically worked their way back and took the lead midway through the quarter and proceeded to build a 1,000+ item lead by the end of the third quarter.  Just as it looked like the South may run away and repeat their championship, the North Lowell team began chipping away.  Here we are, halfway through the fourth quarter and the South leads by 458.

     In both of the first two years, the last minute parade collections have determined the winner.  In 2009, the North won by a mere 88 items.  In 2010, the South won by 337 after leading by 107 at the beginning of the parade.  It should be another exciting final five days!

     All collection buckets and barrels will be collected Friday afternoon in preparation for the Saturday Food Fight Parade, that begins at noon.  The larger collection barrels will line the parade route for all last minute donations.  Once the parade ends, the barrels will be hauled to FROM for final counting.  Online donations will continue through Friday evening only.

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SOUTH LEAD DWINDLES--NOW 694!

Saturday - July 2

     Little by little, the North Lowell team keeps trying to come back from a huge deficit, but is there enough time?  Today, Ada/Lowell 5 contributed to the comeback, with Dollar General chipping in some extra points.  Who will be the North team heroes, as the fourth quarter keeps winding down?  Yes, there are 6 days remaining and the "two minute warning" Food Fight Parade, next Saturday.  All collection buckets and barrels will be collected next Friday afternoon and the large red and white barrels will be prepped for parade route locations along Main St.  Red (North Team) barrels will be placed along the north side of the street and white (South) along the south side.  The "FROM the Heart" Food Fight Riverwalk Parade will begin at noon.  Immediately after the parade, the Food Fight trucks will pick-up all the collection barrels and deliver the last food donations to FROM for final counting.  The winner will be announced that evening at the 7 pm Riverwalk concert.  All team players and fans are reminded this is the final chance to score for your team.  In the meantime, there is plenty of "game time" remaining!

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IS NORTH LOWELL MAKING THEIR MOVE?

SOUTH LEAD CUT TO 814!

Friday - July 1

     The North team finally had a bright spot, slicing and dicing 200 points off the lead in one day is a move in the right direction.  It's been a week since the North team won a daily battle.  One week remaining until parade time.   

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TOO BIG TO FAIL?  SOUTH LEADS BY OVER 1,000!

Thursday - June 30

     The third quarter came to a close today, as the North chipped away at the South lead, which appears to be insurmountable.  Smeelink Optical, Firstbank and Team Thompson Drive provided some scoring for the North and Alto Beauty some scoring for the South.  The final quarter of play ends in 10 days, upon the completion of the FROM the Heart Food Fight Riverwalk Parade, which begins at noon on Saturday, July 9. 

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THE SOUTH IS STILL RISING--LEAD EXPANDS FURTHER!

Wednesday - June 29

   The South Lowell team continued their incredible surge today.  Despite widespread scoring support for the North team by Canfield Plumbing and Heating, Ella's Coffee & Cousine, Buyers Guide/Lowell ledger, Larkin's Restaurant, Dery Physical Therapy, B.C. Pizza, Advanced Eyecare, Lowell YMCA, Huntington North and Snap Fitness, the South team got into the end zone more often.  The Alto connection of Ice Cream Caboose and Heidi's Farm Stand played well, but Deer Run Golf Course scored more than the entire North team!  The icing on the cake came from another big day from Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club, with a few extra points kicked in by Showboat Automotive.  Third quarter ends tomorrow, only ten days until parade day!

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SOUTH LOWELL RUNNING AWAY--LEADS BY 945

Tuesday - June 28

     The South team posted impressive scoring today and looks poised to take command of Food Fight 2011.  The donations poured in, as the third quarter winds down.  Last year, the South took control shortly after the fourth quarter began, held a slim lead until the parade, then pulled away.  There will be collections from most businesses tomorrow.

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SOUTH LOWELL WIDENS LEAD TO 548!

Monday - June 27

     The South has risen to the occasion and gained their largest lead of the 2011 campaign.  A mere six days ago, the North was threatening to run away with the contest, with a 900 food item lead.  Today, the South appears to be operating on all cylinders, finding consistent daily support and a healthy lead. 

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SOUTH LOWELL COMPLETES COMEBACK TO MOVE INTO LEAD!

Saturday - June 25

     The South Lowell Team battled their way back all week, from a 900+ halftime deficit, to take the lead by 126 food items.  Alto played a role with some big scoring drives from Heidi's Farm Stand and the Alto Bar.  Deer Run Golf Course took advantage of some great golfing weather, Two Seasons chipped in some extra points and Food Pantry donations fueled the South back in front.  Flat River Grill, Springrove Variety and Firstbank played well for the North, but could not keep pace with the determined South team. 

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NORTH LOWELL EXPANDS LEAD TO 169!

Friday - June 24

     The FROM Thrift Shop got on the scoreboard today and helped the North extend their lead slightly.  Dollar General and Keiser's Kitchen traded touchdowns for the North and South, early in the day.  Schneider Manor made some big plays for the South, but Canfield Plumbing & Heating, Ella's Coffee and Cousine, Buyers Guide/Lowell Ledger, Wittenbach GMC, Dery Physical Therapy and B.C. Pizza all helped power the North further into the lead.

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NORTH LEAD SHRINKS TO 124

NEW MILESTONES SUPASSED!

Thursday - June 23

     The South Lowell Team keeps chipping away at the North lead, as both teams continue to score consistently.  Lots of food donations keep pouring in to the Pantry, as well as, monetary contributions.  Both teams surpassed the 10,000 item level, with over two weeks remaining in Food Fight 2011!

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SOUTH CUTS NORTH LEAD TO 209!

Wednesday - June 22

     It appears that the South IS rising again.  There were great performances today, as the South Lowell Team rose to the occasion.  In what appeared to be a "must score" day, the Pantry, Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club, Alto Beauty Shop and monetary donations led the South on a comeback surge, cutting the North lead to 209.  Wild scoring swings seem to be the theme, which means no lead is a safe lead this year.

     Both teams are on the verge of breaking the 10,000 food item mark!  The Food pantry thanks you for your contributions! 

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NORTH LOWELL POWERS THEIR WAY TO HUGE LEAD!

Tuesday - June 21

     The North Team came galloping out of the locker room in winning style, running at will and throwing plenty of points on the scoreboard.  The South played solid, keeping pace for the most part, but at the end of the day, the North Team confidently extended their lead by 903 non-perishable food items!  With the largest lead in event history, the North is threatening to run away with Food Fight 2011! 

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HUGE FINAL 2 MINUTES PUTS NORTH WELL AHEAD AT HALFTIME!

Monday - June 20

     Whatever momentum the South Team had gained was completely reversed Monday.  North Lowell exploded offensively to take a 688 food item lead at halftime, 8,542 to 7,854.  Sponsorship donations were equal, but pantry donations were well above average and heavily favored the North.  Sneakers, Rite Aid and Ada/Lowell 5 provided additional strong scoring drives for the North.  Walgreens played well for the South with sizable numbers, with Greenridge Realty and Mynt Fusion Bistro kicking in some extra points.  The first half ends in record fashion, as both teams shattered several records.  The 2010 halftime score favored the South, 2,972 to 2,966.  In fact, the 2010 final score favored the South, 8,360 to 8,023-- 16,383 total food items.  The 2011 halftime total is 16,396 items!  Unbelievable generosity!  Third quarter begins tomorrow and ends June 30.

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SOUTH REGROUPS AND JUMPS BACK INTO LEAD

Saturday - June 18

     Several key South players found the end zone today and piled on the points to retake the lead as halftime nears. Two Seasons, Redfrog Technologies, Greenridge Realty and Fry Daddy's scored early for the South and Dollar Dollar General for the North.  Great Clips and Daisy Floral contributed mid-way through the day for the North, but the South moved ahead when Alto players took command of the day with scoring strikes from Heidi's Farm Stand and Alto Bar.  The FROM Thrift Shop barrels were nearly full and favored the North, but the FROM Pantry contributions overwhelmingly favored the South.  Seven lead changes have highlighted the first half, as both teams are on a record pace!

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OFF DAY?

Friday - June 17

     Halftime is at the end of the day this next Monday, after all of the counting is finished.  Then, the teams take a breather in the locker room and talk strategy and the fans stretch and hit the concession stands.  The band takes the field, discussions begin about the big plays of the first half and we hear from the announcer who is having a birthday.  Right?  Not in this game.  No breather, no band and strategy is discussed on the run.  The North and South Lowell teams go from Monday to Tuesday and the counting continues!  Maybe we'll call this a TV time out, but regardless, we gave the volunteers at FROM the day off from counting and collecting.  However, that doesn't mean the players took the day off.  The Food Fight Specials were going strong today and tonight!  We'll be back at the collecting and counting tomorrow!

     For those of you fans that have noticed, the donations have been nearly double the pace from last year!  In fact, the North team set a one quarter scoring record with 4,763.  The previous best was 3,726.  Both teams have shattered the record scoring for one half of play.  The previous best was 5,388.  In fact, The two teams may exceed the entire total from last year in the first half of play this year!  The total collected in 2010 was 16,383 food items.  At the moment, we are only 2,263 items or dollars away!

There are several ways you can benefit the Food Pantry and benefit your team of choice, at the same time.  1) There are over 50 businesses offering Food Fight Specials in exchange for a non-perishable food item.  A can or box of food becomes a coupon!  2) There are nearly 100 red/North Team and white/South team buckets and barrels throughout the Lowell area. Deposit your food donations in them and they will get counted!  3)  Sponsorships are still available, for as little as $50!  Support and be recognized, as a team player on the full-color Food Fight page in the Buyers Guide and Lowell Ledger, throughout the contest! (or your donation can be registered as anonymous, if preferred)  Each dollar counts as a food item for the team of your choice!  You may donate on-line by clicking on the Food Fight buckets above or call the Food Fight Hotline at 421-2900. 

FROM the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support!

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TEAM EFFORT POWERS NORTH LOWELL BACK IN FRONT!

Thursday - June 16

     True rivalries stand the test of time.  The FROM Food Fight is only in its third year, but the North and South Lowell teams have surely established themselves as a true rivalry.  The classic lead changes continue.  The North played well today, with balanced scoring and a team effort.  Early scoring set the pace from Ella's Coffee & Cousine, Flat River Grill, Buyers Guide/Lowell Ledger, Cousins Hallmark/River Hollow, Larkin’s Restaurant and the YMCA.  Big plays came from veteran players Springrove Variety, B.C. Pizza and Canfierld Plumbing & Heating.  Dery Physical Therapy, Huntington North and newcomer, the Thompson Drive Team rounded out the North scoring.  The South did get in the scoring column early with solid play from Chimera Design, Rookie’s Sportscards Plus and Sprint, but could not hold off the North strength.  Alto provided some nice plays from Ice Cream Caboose and Deer Run Golf Course, before the South was finished, but it was too little and too late.      

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HALFWAY THROUGH 2nd QUARTER--SOUTH LEADS BY 5!

                                                                    Wednesday - June 15          

      There's Michigan vs Michigan State, Lowell vs East Grand Rapids and North Lowell vs South Lowell.  How much better can it get!  After 13,000 food items collected, a mere 5 items separates North and South!  Today's scoring was a combination of Thrift Shop and Pantry donations, sponsorships and online contributions for both teams.  Pretty even all day, but in this year's contest, a dozen here and a dozen there, can make a difference.  Already six lead changes and enough drama to write a New York Times best seller.  Many business collections tomorrow! 

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NORTH LOWELL SLIDES BACK INTO LEAD--BARELY!

Tuesday - June 14

     There is nothing more exciting than watching two evenly matched sports teams.  How about two evenly matched Food Fight teams, both performing well beyond any expectations?  Now add in the emotion felt when delivering all of that food, at the same time watching families leaving our Pantry, not having to worry about where their next meals will come from.  THAT is an amazing feeling.  Thank you Lowell!

   Just as amazing was the see-saw battle for the lead today, as the South team began with a 10 item lead.  The day began with items picked up at Dollar General, then the North led.  That was followed by South perennial leader, Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club provided an overflowing barrel of food.  Now the South led.  Then came three scoring strikes from Harold Zeigler Ford, City Looks and another overflowing barrel from Ada/Lowell 5, to put the North back into the lead.  But the South was not finished yet, as they answered with three scoring strikes of their own from Greenridge Realty, Curtis Cleaners and Walgreen's to regain the lead.  One more stop, at the Lowell Car Wash and the North led again!  After adding in the Pantry food donations for the day, as well as monetary and online donations, the dust finally cleared.   North 6,518, South 6,497.  A 21 item lead and a whirlwind of drama and emotion!  Six more days before halftime.  Stay tuned!   

        Food dropped off--ready for sorting        Sorted items for Summer Lunch Program     Where we spend your donated dollars

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SOUTH POWERS BACK INTO LEAD!

Monday - June 13

     Wow!  It just doesn't get any closer than this!  A mere 10 food items separate North Lowell and South Lowell after scoring nearly 12,000 between them!  After falling behind by nearly 900, the 2010 Champion South team dug in and posted some big numbers over the past few days.  The fireworks by both teams were provided mostly by general pantry food donations and sponsorships.  Several more businesses will be reporting food collections tomorrow.  The next milestone is within sight.  16,383 total items were collected in 2010.  That total will be surpassed in 2011, but when is the question.  Before halftime?

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SCORE TIGHTENS AS RECORD FIRST QUARTER ENDS!

Friday - June 10

     Just as the North Team looked poised to stack on the points, the South regrouped to cut into a good chunk of their deficit.  General donations to the Pantry led the South, Advanced Eyecare Professionals and "Team Thompson Drive" provided the offense for the North.  It was a quiet day, in comparison, as the first quarter came to a close.  The comparison?  The 2010 first quarter score was 1,685 to 1,187, with the South in the lead.  The 2010 halftime score had the South leading 2,972 to 2,966.  And at the end of three quarters last year, the score was 4,634 to 4,626, also with the South leading.  2011 is poised to shatter all event records!  The first quarter highlights included the scoring explosion on Wednesday, when the South posted a very respectable 465 points, but the North scored at will, ringing the touchdown bell 1,182 times!  Their lead at that point was nearly 900, by far the largest in the history of the event.  However, the South chipped away to bring the North lead to a much more manageable number.  The other highlight, is the reason for the North lead.  The first neighborhood team, The Thompson Drive Neighbors, helped the North gain momentum.  Their third food collection in four days.  That's called teamwork!  (See Thursday and Tuesday, below)   

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SOUTH BOUNCES BACK; NORTH REMAINS IN FRONT!

Thursday - June 9

     South Lowell showed some fight with more donations, but North Lowell nearly kept pace as both teams continue to rack up the score at an unbelievable tempo!  One more day until the end of the first quarter and both teams have doubled their 2010 pace!  The North still leads 4,678 to 4,205.  The highlight of the day was once again, the special teams play from the Neighbors of Thompson Drive Planting a couple signs and offering a collection barrel on a porch can magically get filled with food.  We're not sure if the idea came from the North Team playbook, but the South Team surely didn't see it coming!  Great idea!  Any other neighborhoods need a barrel?  Call the Food Fight Hotline at 421-0029!

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NORTH LOWELL EXPLODES IN RECORD SETTING DAY!

Wednesday - June 8

     The North team lit up the scoreboard today, like never before in event history!  Led by sponsorship donations, Flat River Grill, Lowell Ledger/Buyers Guide, Cousins Hallmark/River Hollow and Smeelink Optical, the North just totally outplayed the South to a 4,288-3,604 lead.  In fact, they set a new event scoring record for a single quarter as they built what may be the biggest lead in Food Fight history.  The South team certainly had their offense working, but not on the level the North was enjoying.  In addition to sponsorship donations for the South, Two Seasons and Greenridge Realty kicked in plenty for a normal day, but today was not normal.  The South will be looking to climb back after taking a short lived small lead yesterday.  Both teams now total 7,892, which is nearly double the pace of collections from last year.  Wow!  A big thank you from all of us at FROM!

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SOUTH LOWELL STORMS BACK INTO LEAD!

Tuesday - June 7

     The South Lowell team muscled their way back into the lead for the first time since day one.  It was not an easy accomplishment, as both teams lit up the scoreboard for the 7th consecutive day.  Showing their 2010 championship form, the South was led by Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club with their first scoring drive of the 2011 campaign.  Great team support was given by Alto Beauty Salon, Keiser's Kitchen, Heidi's Farm Stand and Rookies Sportscards Plus.  The North team certainly didn't sit idle, as sizable donations came to the Food Pantry, on their behalf.  The YMCA also chipped in some extra points for both teams.  Additionally, Dave & Jan Thompson may have injected a new neighborhood dimension to the contest, as they required a food pick-up today from their front porch!  "We hope to instill the same thoughts to other North team neighborhoods", proclaimed Jan, as Dave went looking for his helmet shouting "Incoming...."  We assume that meant food items.  South leads 3,139 to 3,106.

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NORTH WIDENS THEIR LEAD!

Monday - June 6

     The donations keep coming and the North Lowell Team keeps lighting up the scoreboard.  Every time the South tries to move into the lead, the North answers with more food and donations.  The pace of both teams is well ahead of last year.  More collections are expected tomorrow.

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SOUTH LOWELL CUTS INTO NORTH LEAD!

Saturday - June 4

     It has been an amazing first four days of Food Fight 2011!  The scoring now totals over 4,700 and last year there was 5,938 scored in the entire first half!  The North Lowell Team tried to take control early as Ada/Lowell 5, Sneakers, Springrove Variety, Dollar General and newcomer Great Clips all muscled their way to a fairly substantial lead.  However, the South Team was once again bolstered by team leader Schneider Manor with food and cash donations.  Also, the FROM Thrift Shop was lopsided with South donations and Redfrog Technologies along with Greenridge Realty tossed in some added South scoring.  It will be an interesting week, as the first quarter ends this next Friday!  Don't forget, there are over 50 Lowell businesses offering Food Fight Specials.  Just donate a non-perishable food item to a participating business and get their special offer!  Check out the Food Fight Specials tab above or every Lowell Ledger and Buyers Guide throughout the entire competition!     

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NORTH KEEPS THEIR LEAD!

Friday - June 3

     The North Lowell Team maintained their momentum today after trading a flurry of scoring with the South, to a 2,336 to 2,149 lead.  North leader Dollar General led the way, but South leader Schneider Manor kept pace.  Donations at the Pantry contributed to both teams numbers, as total collections  approach 4,500 in the first 3 days!  Thank you Lowell!  The shelves look better, but our Summer Lunch program begins in less than two weeks!  More food collection stops are expected tomorrow.

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NORTH LOWELL SURGES INTO LEAD

Thursday - June 2

     Day two was not quiet. The North Team made a statement today, posting some impressive numbers to take the lead, 1,628 to 1,436.  In fact, there has been more scoring in the first two days of 2011, than the entire first quarter of 2010!  More donations are pouring in and several buckets and pails are reported to be full already!  This should be a very interesting couple of days as food will be picked up tomorrow and Saturday.  Stay tuned!  This game is about to get wild! 

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SOUTH LOWELL LEADS AFTER DAY ONE

Wednesday - June 1

     All the barrels and buckets have been delivered and the teams are prepared for battle.  There have been no collections yet, but word on the street is Dollar General is busy filling up a barrel and Alto Beauty Shop is nearly ready for a visit.  However, there was scoring today.  The Interact Club delivered their donations from the School Food Fight, which put the North Team ahead, but an unscheduled stop from Snow Methodist Church surged the South Team ahead after the first day.  Some deliveries; some pickups and donations will be added tomorrow.  South leads 452-429. 

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2011 PRE-GAME PREVIEW

     What a difference a year can make!  Both teams expanded their rosters with energetic and enthusiastic players.  Food Fight Specials were expanded from 40 businesses participating in 2010 to 52 businesses in 2011.  Sponsorships were added for 2011 with nearly 50 donors providing monetary contributions to the Food Fight and the Food Pantry, including Event Sponsorships from All Weather Seal, B.C. Pizza, Brian & Cheryl Doyle Family, Metric Manufacturing, River Valley Credit Union, Snap Fitness and a special thank you to Jon Jacobs and the staff at The Lowell Ledger/Buyers Guide for their support to our event.

The South Lowell team was victorious in 2010 by approximately 300 food items, with the margin of victory secured during the final hour at the "FROM the Heart" Riverwalk Parade.  Returning to the team this year are the South Team's biggest food collectors Schneider Manor, Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club, Heidi's Farm Stand, Greenridge Realty, Alto Bar, Alto Beauty Shop and Ice Cream Caboose.  South Team newcomers offering Food Fight Specials for 2011 include Alto LP Gas, Hooper Printing, Modern Photographics, Sprint, Three Brother Pizza and Showboat Automotive. 

The North Lowell Team returns food collection stars Dollar General, Rite Aid, B.C. Pizza, Canfield Plumbing & Heating, Springrove Variety and Firstbank.  New Food Fight Special team members include City Looks Salons, Ella's Coffee & Cousine, Equipment Solutions, Flat River Cottage, Glass House Designs, Great Clips, Harold Zeigler Ford, Lowell Car Wash, Quality Express and Smeelink Optical. 

The North Team has certainly added firepower and seemed poised to retake the series lead.  However, there seems to be plenty of confidence among last year's Food Fight champion South Team. 

Both teams urge their teams to look for the weekly Food Fight Specials and to donate food items in return for the specials offered.  The Food Fight scoring updates and specials can be found each week in the Lowell Buyers Guide and Lowell ledger publications for the next six weeks.  Also look for the many red (North Team) buckets and barrels and white (South Team) containers throughout the community.

Let the game begin!

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Press Release May 28, 2011 (Picture and Story)

Picture: South Lowell Team (white jerseys): Front Row- Joyce Van Dyke, Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda’s Club; Grace Nuebecker, Schneider Manor.  Row Two- Chris Godbold, Edward Jones Investments; Amy Reedy, Greenridge Realty; Melissa Blough, Heidi’s Farmstand; Tammi Wingeier, Ice Cream Caboose.  Back Row- Eric Westbrook, Pauley’s; Jack Reedy, Rookies Sportscards Plus; Cutter Phillips, River Valley Credit Union; Dave Burns, Alto Bar. North Lowell Team (red jerseys): Front Row- Deb Apol, Larkins; Shelley Catlin, Sneakers; Dave Emmette, AIC Insurance; Ryan Lothian, Snap Fitness. Row Two- Deb Overbeck, Quality Express/Overbeck Construction; Chris West, Flat River Grill; Deb Canfield, Canfield Plumbing & Heating; Randall Rapelje, Ella’s Coffee & Cousine.  Back Row- James Fegel, B.C. Pizza; Mike Springer, Springrove Varierty. Center of Picture (red & white) Kraig Haybarker, Flat River Outreach Ministries.

FROM FOOD FIGHT 2011

It's All About Helping Others

     As the 3rd Annual Food Fight nears, Kraig and Jody Haybarker begin to reflect on the history of Flat River Outreach Ministries and all the growth and changes that have taken place.  "We are more than amazed at what has transpired over the past five to 10 years," said Kraig Haybarker.  "We never dreamed that we could reach out to as many people as we do now."  Jody Haybarker continued, "I doubt there is a city as understanding and giving as Lowell, Michigan."  "We are so proud to be part of this community and to know so many people that have such big hearts."  The Haybarkers have been part of the amazing FROM story since Day One and were honored last year with the naming of “The Jody and Kraig Haybarker Food Pantry" at Flat River Outreach Ministries.  

     Flat River Outreach Ministries has been a very busy place through the last several years, providing not only food, but financial services to those in need.  Their Food Pantry services have grown immensely through these difficult economic times.  "Last year, we served over 300 kids weekly through our Summer Lunch Program, and I'm sure that the numbers will increase this year," said FROM board member, Kurt Lardie.  Registration begins this week with forms printed in both the Buyers Guide and Lowell Ledger.   FROM also provides some financial services for those who qualify.  FROM helps with rent, heat, electric and an assortment of other bills and needs.  FROM also offers educational classes.  "We just recently held an Employment & Job Hunting Skills Workshop and have plans to schedule more," said board member, Dave Emmette.  Board member, Barb Williams, added, "We are also planning cooking classes, beginning in mid-June, to show how nutritional meals can be prepared with food directly from our Food Pantry."   "FROM's free tax preparation services grew by leaps and bounds this season," added board member, Roger LaWarre.  "We helped return nearly $250,000 in state and federal refunds to distressed family budgets in 2011, nearly triple what we accomplished in 2010." 

     With the Food Pantry reaching a seasonal low in supply, the annual Food Fight couldn't come at a better time.  The shelves need restocking for the Summer Lunch Program, as well as to help get through the coming months with normal needs.

     Yes, it's all about helping others.  But that doesn't mean there can't be some fun in the process.  Enter Food Fight.  In 2009, the FROM marketing committee came up with a community-wide food drive idea that has exploded into an annual event to raise the most non-perishable food items for the pantry.  Enter Lowell Red Arrow Football.  "This community has become so competitively driven from the huge success of our football program," said Bucky Curtis, from Curtis Laundry.  "The competition doesn't get any better than this; it's North Lowell against South Lowell.  What else needs to be said?"  "When you draw the line straight down M-21 from the east side of Lowell through the west side, it just so happens that the teams are fairly equal," said Mike Springer, from Springrove Variety.  "The population is close enough, the competitiveness is even closer."

     With approximately 7,000 people on the South Lowell Team and 7,000 people on the North Lowell Team; throw in the businesses on the south side of Main Street competing against those on the north side, and you've got a game.  "In fact, over 50 businesses are offering Food Fight Specials this year in return for food items.  Those ads will be very visible over the next six weeks in the Buyers Guide and Ledger," said FROM board member, Rick Seese.  There will be 50 red North Team containers and 50 white South Team containers throughout the entire community and in some area churches to collect food for the pantry.  FROM volunteers will pick-up food regularly throughout the event and report an updated score in the Buyers Guide and Lowell Ledger, as well as daily play-by-play scoring updates on the www.fromfoodfight.org website. 

     Since the North Team won the first year and the South Team won last year, this will be the first "rubber match" in event history.  "Bragging rights are definitely on the line," remarked Deb Canfield, of Canfield Plumbing & Heating, as the "Main Street” promotional picture was being staged.  "I sensed a little South Team swagger today," said Chris Godbold, of Edward Jones Investments.  Chimes of "repeat, repeat" could be heard from Alto Bar owner Dave Burns and Tammi Wingeier, from the Ice Cream Caboose.  However, James Fegel, from B.C. Pizza, got the last word in, as the group left the photo scene.  "It may be another close game, but I'm very sure that the North will win this year.  You can count on it"!

     Kraig Haybarker summed it up stating, "Both teams seem to be confident that their team will win this year, but I'm totally confident that both teams know what they're really playing for.  What a heart-warming experience to see this kind of desire to help those in need."

     The competition begins June 1 and ends at the conclusion of the "FROM the Heart" Riverwalk Parade on Saturday, July 9.  During the parade, the red North Team containers will line the north side of the parade route and the South white containers will be on the south side.  The parade has become known as the final two-minute warning of the contest.

     As a community-wide competition, this must be one of the biggest around West Michigan, but the big hearts of the Lowell community members are in this to help their friends and neighbors in their time of need.  The Food Pantry shelves will begin looking much fuller after June 1st.

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