U.P. Food pantries receive funding to expand access to fresh food
UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — Food pantries across the Upper Peninsula are receiving a financial boost to expand access to fresh food. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and the Superior Health Foundation are investing $250,000 to help 50 Michigan food pantries, including 10 in the U.P., increase their ability to stock nutritious items.
The Food Pantry Grant Program provides refrigeration units valued up to $7,000, technical support to improve operations, nutrition education resources and $250 in funding to purchase dairy for each pantry. The grants address a critical need: more than 1.5 million Michiganians experienced food insecurity in 2024, according to Feeding America.
