We were deeply saddened to learn of John Arnold's passing over the weekend. He was truly a visionary leader in his work to end hunger in West Michigan and he undoubtedly leaves our community a better place. John was a master of finding creative and seemingly simple solutions to connecting people to food resources. Repurposing old beer trucks for mobile food pantries was one of his clever ideas.  

Back in 2009, Feeding America West Michigan's board of directors voted to create a nonprofit endowment fund here at the Community Foundation in John's name.  At the time, we had the pleasure of interviewing John for an article in Current.  At this time, this line seems fitting and we feel it captures John's  passion for his cause. "There are 400,000 people in our service area who need food assistance, and I feel that need like a physical presence. As the Fund goes on in perpetuity, I hope that I am remembered as someone who worked as hard to end hunger as if it were my own family out there in need,” John said. 

Our thoughts are with John's family and friends. 

If you would like to make a memorial donation to the John Arnold Endowment Fund for Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank please click here.