Good News Water Looks to Fight Hunger and Homelessness in Northeast Wisconsin

There’s a refreshing new way to support worthy local causes. You’ll be able to find it on area grocery store shelves starting in May.

Good News Water is a social fundraising idea conceived by entrepreneur Mike Kaczmarek. He calls it “water with a purpose,” and says it’s a simple way for you to make a difference in the community.

100% of the profits from sales of the bottled water will go towards helping children and families in need right where you live.

Mike Kaczmarek

Kaczmarek noticed a need and decided to do something. He says he was inspired to take action when he learned about the growing number of  homeless young people in our area.

“Good News Water will be used to remove the barriers homeless students face by providing the most basic of items such as food and health/hygiene products to school supplies and clothing as well as resources for college and career readiness,” Kaczmarek explains.

One way that will be accomplished is by working with local school districts. In Green Bay, Good News Water will support the McKinney Vento Program. This federal initiative aims to enroll homeless children in public school while providing transportation and other assistance. It was part of the first federal law concerning homelessness and was signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.

On the Good News Water website (waterwithpurpose.com) other charities listed include Ben’s Wish, a local organization that fights hunger, and Abundant Harvest Ministries.

Helping Out in Other Ways

In addition to assisting people in need, Good News Water will also be helping boost the local and state economy.

The natural, mineral spring water is sourced from three different locations in Wisconsin. Plus, Kaczmarek says the job of labeling the water bottles will be done by people in our area who are looking for work.

“This continues to reinforce the ‘social’ benefits of the model,” Kaczmarek says. “By this I mean we hire local individuals that are displaced to perform the labor of applying the labels, therefore entering them back into the workforce and reinforcing self dependency and purpose.”

And It Tastes Good Too…

You’ll feel good when you drink Good News Water because you know your money is being put to good use. But you may also find it tastes better and is healthy for you too.

Since the water is slightly higher in ph (7.8), Kaczmarek says it has a more refreshing taste due to less acid and higher oxygen content for better absorption.

Good News Water contains no additives and only natural fluoride. On the other hand, some brands of bottled water you buy may be nothing more than purified tap water. Kaczmarek says even the reverse osmosis water available in stores isn’t as good for your body since it removes minerals and vitamins while reducing the taste.

Where You Can Find It

Good News Water will be available to purchase at the Webster Avenue Market (1220 S. Webster, Green Bay) and Austin’s Grocery Store in Allouez/De Pere (3823 S. Webster Ave). Kaczmarek says the first official placement of the bottled water will be on May 4th. More than 1200 cases have already been sold.

Kaczmarek’s No. 1 goals is to help end homelessness and hunger in Northeast Wisconsin. But short-term goals include finding more grocery stores, convenience stores, coffee shops and other local businesses to carry the bottled water. Meantime, other communities outside of Green Bay are expressing interest including Oconto, Marinette and Door County.

The water is also being made available as a fundraising item for churches, schools, Boy Scouts etc. Contact Mike at goodnewswater@gmail.com to request an application.

You can order cases of Good News Water yourself through iprocuredirect.com. The cost is $3.99 for 24 16.9 oz bottles.

iProcureDirect is Mike Kaczmarek’s online business which offers direct-from-manufacturer prices on promotional products, print solutions as well as business and office supplies.

You can get the latest when you connect with Good News Water on Facebook.