Food Insecurity,BCBSM Foundation,Social Mission,Food Pantry Grants,Blue Cross Complete,Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,Our News
RELEASE
Food Pantry Grant Applications Open to Address Food and Nutrition Insecurity
Teddy Lemmer
| 4 min read
DETROIT, April 15, 2024 – A grant opportunity is now available for Michigan food pantries seeking to expand their infrastructure in an effort to address food and nutrition insecurity. United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), in collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are accepting grant program applications for the third consecutive year to increase the capacity of local food pantries to provide nutrient-rich fresh food options that require refrigeration. Since the program's inception, 147 organizations in 47 counties have received support.
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, and grantees will also receive $250 in dairy match funding to purchase additional eligible dairy foods for their community members.
“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,” said Ken Hayward, vice president and special assistant to the president for Community Relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “We value their work and are pleased to offer necessary tools and resources that improve their capacity to serve those in need.”
According to 2021 statistics from Feeding America, one in nine people in Michigan are facing hunger and there are 25 counties in Michigan where 15% or more of the population is food insecure. 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, 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.”
“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 Todd Anderson, market president, Blue Cross 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,” said Audrey Harvey, executive director and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 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. Applications must be submitted using the online application. Visit the Food Pantry Grant Program webpage for eligibility information and complete grant information and requirements.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides and administers health benefits to more than 5.2 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies who reside outside the state. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBluesPerspectives.com. For more on the BCBSM Foundation, visit bcbsm.com/foundation.
About Blue Cross Complete of Michigan
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is contracted by the state of Michigan to provide medical services to eligible Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries in 32 counties. Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit mibluecrosscomplete.com.
About the United Dairy Industry of Michigan
The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) is dedicated to serving Michigan’s hard-working dairy farm families and promoting Michigan’s locally produced dairy products. UDIM is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan. These non-profit organizations provide dairy product promotion and nutrition education services on behalf of their funding members.
