MiBlue Daily
Aug. 25, 2026
Teddy Lemmer
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.”