Our Beginning

Taste of Heaven began in 1999 with a $10 bill and a challenge.  The challenge was based on a parable from Matthew 25:14-30 in which three servants were entrusted with a different amount of silver and later called to account for their stewardship of the riches.  Similarly, a total of $8800 was distributed, in varying amounts, to about 950 church members who were asked to account for their stewardship ten months later.

Our founder, Peg Throop, received an envelope with $10.  After four months, she used that money to purchase chocolate to drizzle on her homemade caramel corn, initially giving some away.  She then began to sell her amazing drizzled caramel corn product and returned $800 ten months later and began a new business.

Since its inception, Throop always knew that proceeds from the business could impact her community. After a number of years of growth and giving back, Taste of Heaven became incorporated into the ministry of Youth For Christ (YFC) with all proceeds going to support the ministry. Taste of Heaven continues to contribute all net proceeds to the programs and the ministry impact that YFC has in and around Kalamazoo.

Taste of Heaven continues to operate on the principles that started this whole tasty sensation. Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the LORD is good! How blessed is the person who trusts in him!”

Our Story

What makes Taste of Heaven stand out from the crowd? We use the highest quality ingredients like sweet creamy butter and pure brown sugar to make caramel corn bursting with flavor. The purpose behind our business is to give back to the community, which we have been doing since our founding in 1999. As a non-profit organization we get to support an amazing ministry right here in Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo Youth for Christ has impacted lives all over this community since it's founding in 1945. With the help of a small staff and a dedicated cadre of volunteers we prepare gourmet popcorn and handcrafted sweets that are sure to delight. In addition to our in-store and online sales, you can find our products in select locations and at events throughout the Kalamazoo area. 

About Youth for Christ

Youth for Christ (YFC) reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus - those who will lead by their Godliness in lifestyle, devotion to prayer and the Word of God, passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement.

The Kalamazoo chapter of Youth for Christ provides a safe, nurturing environment full of hope for youth in areas of our community that need the most attention, but seem to receive the least. Kalamazoo Youth for Christ lets youth and families know that they are not alone and that they are loved by God

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