NEWS RELEASE
$250,000 Invested in Michigan Food Pantries to Put More Fresh Food Within Reach
Teddy Lemmer
| 4 min read
DETROIT, Aug. 24, 2026 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Blue Cross), United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and the Superior Health Foundation are investing $250,000 to help 50 Michigan food pantries expand access to fresh, nutrient-rich foods. Since its inception, the Food Pantry Grant Program has invested more than $1.2 million in 269 organizations, helping increase food access for more than 120,000 Michigan residents each month.
For the fifth consecutive year, the program will provide refrigeration units valued at up to $7,000, technical support to improve operations, nutrition education resources they can share with their community and $250 in funding to purchase dairy for their pantries. The 2026 grant recipients are located in 34 different counties. Since 2022, the program has helped pantries serve 65 different counties, with this year’s program investing in nine counties for the first time.
According to Feeding America, more than 1.5 million Michiganians experienced food insecurity in 2024. Veterans and people with disabilities are among those disproportionately affected by food insecurity. While older adults experience food insecurity at lower rates than the general population, access to nutritious food remains particularly important because of age-related challenges. Nearly every pantry receiving a grant serves seniors (96%), people with disabilities (92%) and veterans (88%).
“The Food Pantry Grant Program remains an important tool in addressing nutrition insecurity by reducing barriers that prevent Michigan families from getting fresh foods on the table and supporting the distribution of dairy and other healthy options,” said Tiffany Albert, senior vice president of Community Relations and chief inclusion officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Through this grant program, Blue Cross and our partners are working with an additional 50 food pantries statewide to improve access to fresh foods in the communities they serve. Together, we’re helping to support thousands of Michigan families with the nutrition they need to live healthier lives.”
“Michigan’s dairy farmers continue to support the Food Pantry Grant Program as it plays a pivotal role in addressing nutrition security across the state. Working with our partners allows us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in communities by increasing access to healthy, nutrient-rich foods, including milk and other dairy products,” said Amiee Vondrasek, senior manager of Nutrition Education at the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.
“Without proper refrigeration dairy, meat, and fresh produce are difficult for pantries to keep in stock. This funding helps U.P. residents who rely on food pantries get the nutrition they need, along with more choice in the foods available to them,” said Megan Murphy, chief executive officer of Superior Health Foundation.
“Reliable access to fresh, nutritious food is an important preventive health measure for children and families,” said Todd Anderson, president of Blue Cross Complete of Michigan. “We’re proud to support the food pantry infrastructure in Michigan that helps keep healthy food on the table for our members and communities.”
A full list of Michigan food pantries receiving an award from the Food Pantry Grant Program can be found here.
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 and 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 healthcare products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for over 80 years. Beyond healthcare 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 in the lower peninsula. 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.
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.
