Food pantry grant applications open to address food, nutrition insecurity
Food pantries looking to increase their capacity to provide nutrient-rich fresh foods such as milk products like cheese, yogurt and eggs or poultry and fish are encouraged to apply for a grant for a refrigeration unit.
This is the third consecutive year that the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) has teamed up with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), BCBSM Complete and BCBSM Foundation to provide assistance through the Food Pantry Grant Program.
“Food pantries across Michigan serve as a bridge to provide individuals and families with nutritious foods that are key to improving and maintaining good health,” Ken Hayward, vice president and special assistant to the president for community relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan said, in a news release. “We value their work and are pleased to offer necessary tools and resources that improve their capacity to serve those in need.”
Since the program’s inception, 147 organizations in 47 counties have received support.
Once again food pantries are invited to apply to receive a refrigeration unit to improve access to healthy food options like milk, cheese, fruit, vegetables and yogurt. The refrigeration unit is valued up to $7,000. Grantees will also receive $250 in dairy match funding to purchase additional eligible dairy foods for their community members.
According to data from Feeding America, in 2021 one in nine people in Michigan were facing hunger and 15% of the population in 25 Michigan counties were experiencing
hunger or food insecurity. The number of food-insecure children in Michigan is even higher, as one in eight children face hunger and there are 12 counties in which 20% or more of the children are food insecure.
“Michigan dairy farmers are dedicated to the work they do, driven by a passion to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of dairy,” said Amiee Vondrasek, health and wellness senior manager for the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. “Partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on this initiative is an important step in helping to decrease hunger and food insecurity in Michigan. The Food Pantry Grant makes it easier for food pantries to provide more nutritious dairy foods, vegetables, and other healthy options for those in need.”
Todd Anderson concurred.
“Food insecurity in Michigan demands our attention. Blue Cross Complete is committed to supporting organizations that address
health-related social needs such as high quality, fresh foods. We’re pleased to help local pantries provide nutritious food and dairy products for Michigan families facing hunger and nutrition insecurity,” said Anderson, who is the market president for BCBSM Complete.
“The right to adequate food is a basic human right and we’re proud to be a part of expanding access to fresh and healthy options Michigan residents need,” added Audrey Harvey, executive director and chief executive officer of BCBSM Foundation. “With the combined resources and strengths of this program’s partners, we are eager to make significant progress in addressing food insecurity across the state.”
Grant applications are due June 21, 2024. Those interested in applying for a grant must complete the online application.