Mick & Jeamie
Link to Tribune Enterprise Article
As Waunakee Food for Kidz ramps up for their annual packaging event on Oct. 19, this date also marks the organization’s 20th year. Founders Mick and Jeamie Holm reflect on the journey of providing nutritious meals to those in need for the past two decades and their hope for the future.
When did you start Food for Kidz and why?
Inspired by Mick’s father, Roger Holm, who started a Minnesota Food for Kidz chapter in 2001, Mick and Jeamie started Waunakee Food for Kidz in 2005.
“We started small and each year figured out how to improve the process. We continue trying to make a difference, as we raise the money to purchase the ingredients, organize the volunteers to put the meals together, and then we give the meals away free.”
What major accomplishments stand out over the past 20 years?
Well, we have quite a few!
Waunakee Food for Kidz helped Stoughton start their own Food for Kidz event, and it’s held the same weekend as ours in October.
At the 2017 event, Waunakee Food for Kidz introduced a fortified cinnamon instant oatmeal meal option, which was created by a committee member.
In 2017 and 2019, a group of Waunakee volunteers traveled to Haiti to distribute the Waunakee-packaged meals to villages and feed children at the orphanages.
“This was very inspirational. We realized how fortunate we are and the desperate need for food in Haiti. We were dedicated to helping make a small difference by helping feed hungry children and their families,” said Mick.
Then in 2019, the small and efficient nonprofit took on a gargantuan goal of 500,000 meals, and hit their 4 millionth meal in 2023.
What impact do you feel the nonprofit has had on the community—local and globally—over the last two decades?
“For the last three years, Waunakee Food for Kidz has partnered with the Orphan Grain Train, a non-profit that ships food to countries around the world. The Waunakee-packaged food has been shipped to Ukrainian refugees, and even soldiers on the front line,” said Jeamie.
Who were some of the first people who believed in your vision, and how did they support you?
Many original volunteers are still active today, including John Gaska, Jennifer & Rocky Cuccia, Joni & Eric Juergens, and Amy & Larry Schiebel, continuing the organization’s success.
“Serving on the Food For Kidz committee has allowed my family a hands-on way to make meals for hungry people we will never meet. Every year I think, “this is love in action” when I see 300 people per shift working together, happy to volunteer, and thrilled to make a difference,” said Joni Juergens, lifetime FFK committee leader.
What role do volunteers play with Food for Kidz?
Volunteers are the heart of Food for Kidz. Fun fact: Over half of our volunteers are kids.
“We believe if we teach the importance of volunteering at a young age, they will continue volunteering for various causes as an adult. And we’ve seen this proven true because we’ve been witnessing 2nd generation volunteers!”
How does Food for Kidz plan the number of meals to package?
The nonprofit can only make as many meals as donations allow. Over the years, local businesses and individuals give donations to help purchase the ingredients.
“Fundraising is crucial. Our community can make a significant impact locally and globally through financial donations and spreading the word about Waunakee Food for Kidz,” said Aimee Neu, FFK committee leader. “Our family is honored to be a part of this amazing effort.”
How are you preparing the next generation of leaders to carry on the mission?
“Jeamie and I are still young at heart, but we are slowing down,” said Mick. Embracing a slower pace, Mick and Jeamie passed the Food for Kidz baton to Jamie Griffin Strachota in 2023.
“I’ve grown the committee over the past couple of years, and it’s been great to see new ideas blend with historical knowledge to spark forward-thinking collaboration. Mick and Jeamie have created an impressive organization, and my goal is to honor their legacy and continue to elevate the organization, its mission, and impact for years to come.”
How has leading this nonprofit changed you personally?
“Waunakee Food for Kidz has had a huge impact on our lives. We’ve met amazing people during our 20-year journey, and many have become good friends who we will always cherish,” said Mick.
Jeamie added, “This journey has helped us realize that there isn’t anything more satisfying than helping others and we plan to continue this path of serving others for as long as we can. Our work helps starving children not only survive — they begin to thrive.”
Waunakee Food for Kidz will host their 20th Annual Packaging event on October 19 at Dane Manufacturing, offering three shifts to choose from. The goal is to package 300,000 meals. For more information, visit www.waunakeefoodforkidz.org and follow them at https://www.facebook.com/waunakeefoodforkidz.
As Waunakee Food for Kidz ramps up for their annual packaging event on Oct. 19, this date also marks the organization’s 20th year. Founders Mick and Jeamie Holm reflect on the journey of providing nutritious meals to those in need for the past two decades and their hope for the future.
When did you start Food for Kidz and why?
Inspired by Mick’s father, Roger Holm, who started a Minnesota Food for Kidz chapter in 2001, Mick and Jeamie started Waunakee Food for Kidz in 2005.
“We started small and each year figured out how to improve the process. We continue trying to make a difference, as we raise the money to purchase the ingredients, organize the volunteers to put the meals together, and then we give the meals away free.”
What major accomplishments stand out over the past 20 years?
Well, we have quite a few!
Waunakee Food for Kidz helped Stoughton start their own Food for Kidz event, and it’s held the same weekend as ours in October.
At the 2017 event, Waunakee Food for Kidz introduced a fortified cinnamon instant oatmeal meal option, which was created by a committee member.
In 2017 and 2019, a group of Waunakee volunteers traveled to Haiti to distribute the Waunakee-packaged meals to villages and feed children at the orphanages.
“This was very inspirational. We realized how fortunate we are and the desperate need for food in Haiti. We were dedicated to helping make a small difference by helping feed hungry children and their families,” said Mick.
Then in 2019, the small and efficient nonprofit took on a gargantuan goal of 500,000 meals, and hit their 4 millionth meal in 2023.
What impact do you feel the nonprofit has had on the community—local and globally—over the last two decades?
“For the last three years, Waunakee Food for Kidz has partnered with the Orphan Grain Train, a non-profit that ships food to countries around the world. The Waunakee-packaged food has been shipped to Ukrainian refugees, and even soldiers on the front line,” said Jeamie.
Who were some of the first people who believed in your vision, and how did they support you?
Many original volunteers are still active today, including John Gaska, Jennifer & Rocky Cuccia, Joni & Eric Juergens, and Amy & Larry Schiebel, continuing the organization’s success.
“Serving on the Food For Kidz committee has allowed my family a hands-on way to make meals for hungry people we will never meet. Every year I think, “this is love in action” when I see 300 people per shift working together, happy to volunteer, and thrilled to make a difference,” said Joni Juergens, lifetime FFK committee leader.
What role do volunteers play with Food for Kidz?
Volunteers are the heart of Food for Kidz. Fun fact: Over half of our volunteers are kids.
“We believe if we teach the importance of volunteering at a young age, they will continue volunteering for various causes as an adult. And we’ve seen this proven true because we’ve been witnessing 2nd generation volunteers!”
How does Food for Kidz plan the number of meals to package?
The nonprofit can only make as many meals as donations allow. Over the years, local businesses and individuals give donations to help purchase the ingredients.
“Fundraising is crucial. Our community can make a significant impact locally and globally through financial donations and spreading the word about Waunakee Food for Kidz,” said Aimee Neu, FFK committee leader. “Our family is honored to be a part of this amazing effort.”
How are you preparing the next generation of leaders to carry on the mission?
“Jeamie and I are still young at heart, but we are slowing down,” said Mick. Embracing a slower pace, Mick and Jeamie passed the Food for Kidz baton to Jamie Griffin Strachota in 2023.
“I’ve grown the committee over the past couple of years, and it’s been great to see new ideas blend with historical knowledge to spark forward-thinking collaboration. Mick and Jeamie have created an impressive organization, and my goal is to honor their legacy and continue to elevate the organization, its mission, and impact for years to come.”
How has leading this nonprofit changed you personally?
“Waunakee Food for Kidz has had a huge impact on our lives. We’ve met amazing people during our 20-year journey, and many have become good friends who we will always cherish,” said Mick.
Jeamie added, “This journey has helped us realize that there isn’t anything more satisfying than helping others and we plan to continue this path of serving others for as long as we can. Our work helps starving children not only survive — they begin to thrive.”
Waunakee Food for Kidz will host their 20th Annual Packaging event on October 19 at Dane Manufacturing, offering three shifts to choose from. The goal is to package 300,000 meals. For more information, visit www.waunakeefoodforkidz.org and follow them at https://www.facebook.com/waunakeefoodforkidz.
