Grants Helping To Fight Local Food Insecurity

[Hancock, MI]  In the spring of 2018 the Portage Health Foundation continued their support of their food initiative. PHF’s initiative has taken three main approaches to addressing food needs in the four-county community: community education, access, and affordability.

In May, two grants were awarded that addressed one or more of these three components.

The Western Upper Peninsula Food Bank (WUPFB), located in Houghton, serves the Western UP with food access needs. In partnership with PHF funding and the local grocers, WUPFB has begun expanding their services and incorporating a gleaning program which provides access to frozen meats and other perishable foods. This program incorporates sustainable food practices as well as creates an access point for better foods at the WUPFB.

“As I became more involved with the Western Upper Peninsula Food Bank (WUPFB) this year I was surprised to find that food insecurity is a real and ongoing problem for West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula,” said Amanda Jackson, volunteer with WUPFB. “It actually affecting 1 in 8 people with the need even greater among children. This partnership with the Portage Health Foundation will allow our Food Bank to further its mission to alleviate community hunger and reduce food insecurities, while also addressing the unmet need of local food waste prevention for our community.”

The second partnership is with Stanton Township Public School (STPS) which will create a food program for the school that incorporates whole foods for the students as well as learning opportunities in the classroom. STPS’s program focuses on expanding hands-on educational opportunities as well as fighting food insecurity within the school.

“The Stanton Township Public Schools Community/School Garden has many benefits to our students, staff, and community,” said Jim Rautiola of STPS. “The garden provides educational opportunities for our students and community members about healthy eating habits, growing your own food, and food stability. We look forward to having a positive impact on our community at large.”

“These two programs address a couple different issues with their programs,” said Marketing and Communications Coordinator Chelsea Goodreau. “These programs look at gleaning and sustainability, education, and access for the community. These are all things PHF is working toward through its food initiative.”

To learn more about granting opportunities with PHF, please visit phfgive.org.

The Portage Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that receives and contributes charitable donations which
support the health needs of the community through enhanced philanthropy and community collaboration throughout Baraga,
Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties.