COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Food Pantry has been awarded a $75,000 grant from Meridian Health to bolster its operations as local families face an unprecedented rise in food insecurity.
The funding, provided by a regional community foundation, arrives at a critical juncture as the pantry reports a 30% increase in monthly visits compared to a year ago.
Organizers say the influx of cash will be used to upgrade cold storage facilities and increase the volume of fresh produce and protein available to clients, ensuring that the most vulnerable residents have access to nutritious meals despite rising grocery costs.
The Branch Area Food Pantry spends roughly $1 million annually to provide food to residents across Branch County
High inflation and the end of pandemic-era assistance programs have forced many Branch County households to choose between paying rent and buying food. With the new funding, the pantry plans to expand its mobile distribution efforts to reach rural areas of the county where transportation remains a significant barrier. This grant is seen as a vital step in stabilizing the local safety net while community leaders work toward long-term solutions for regional poverty.
Comments