NEWS RELEASE
Fighting Food Insecurity: Michigan Food Pantries Invited to Apply for Grants to Boost Access to Nutrient-rich Fresh Food
Teddy Lemmer
| 4 min read
DETROIT, April 13, 2026 – A grant opportunity is now open for Michigan food pantries aiming to expand their infrastructure to combat food and nutrition insecurity. United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and Superior Health Foundation, is accepting applications for the fifth year to help local food pantries offer more nutrient-rich, fresh foods. Since its launch the program has benefitted 220 food pantries across 54 counties, serving 93,000 people each month.
Food pantries can apply for a refrigeration unit worth up to $7,000 to improve access to healthy foods like dairy, fruits and vegetables. Recipients will also receive technical support to improve pantry operations and nutrition education such as healthy eating guidance, recipes and meal planning to share with their community.
“Food pantries are not just about providing food; they are essential for building stronger, more resilient communities,” said Tiffany Albert, senior vice president of Community Relations and chief inclusion officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “As food insecurity remains a pressing issue, the importance of food pantries cannot be overstated as they address immediate hunger, reduce food waste and provide nutrition education. When Michiganians have better access to nutritious foods, our communities are healthier and health care becomes more affordable for everyone.”
Food insecurity remains a critical and growing challenge across Michigan, where more than 1.5 million residents, approximately one in six, lack consistent access to enough nutritious food. The problem hits children especially hard, with more than 400,000 Michigan kids facing hunger, according to Feeding America. As demand for food assistance continues to rise and has increased 18 percent in the past year in Michigan, local food pantries are under increasing pressure to meet rising community needs.
“Access to fresh, nutrient-rich dairy foods is essential for building healthier communities across Michigan," said Amiee Vondrasek, Health & Wellness senior manager, United Dairy Industry of Michigan. "By supporting food pantries with the tools they need to store and distribute fresh milk and other dairy products, we’re helping ensure more people have access to the nutrition they need to grow, learn and thrive.”
“Food pantries play a vital role in addressing food insecurity in our communities. Access to fresh, healthy food is essential to the well-being of people throughout Michigan, especially children. When basic needs are met, communities can thrive. We’re proud to be part of this grant program to support the vitality of communities across the state,” said Todd Anderson, president, Blue Cross Complete.
“In the Upper Peninsula, food insecurity and geographic isolation create compounding barriers to good health. This program puts the infrastructure in place so pantries can offer fresh, nutritious food that makes a real difference in people's lives. Superior Health Foundation is proud to be a partner in this work and support the communities we serve together” said Megan Murphy, chief executive officer, Superior Health Foundation.
Grant applications are due June 22, 2026. Visit the Food Pantry Grant Program webpage to access the online application, eligibility information and complete grant requirements.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBlueDaily.com.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBlueDaily.com.
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 58 counties. Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit mibluecrosscomplete.com.
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 58 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.
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.
About the Superior Health Foundation
Superior Health Foundation proactively supports organizations and initiatives across the Upper Peninsula to improve health and well-being. For more information, visit superiorhealthfoundation.org.
Superior Health Foundation proactively supports organizations and initiatives across the Upper Peninsula to improve health and well-being. For more information, visit superiorhealthfoundation.org.
