Food Pantry Grant Program

The Food Pantry Grant Program is administered by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, and the Superior Health Foundation. These organizations collaborate to strengthen food access systems across Michigan by supporting food pantries with infrastructure and resources that enable the safe distribution of dairy and other nutrient-rich foods. The program reflects a shared commitment to improving community health outcomes by ensuring that individuals and families experiencing food insecurity have consistent access to fresh, nutritious options, particularly dairy products and produce. The primary purpose of the grant is to enhance the operational capacity of food pantries by providing refrigeration equipment necessary for storing perishable foods safely. Eligible applicants may receive a commercial-grade refrigeration unit valued up to 7000 dollars. In addition, awarded organizations receive 250 dollars in matching funds designated specifically for the purchase of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese. The equipment is procured directly by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan through approved vendors, ensuring quality, delivery, installation, and warranty support. Funding under this program is restricted to equipment and dairy-related purchases that directly support the storage and distribution of fresh foods. Grantees must use the provided match funding exclusively for dairy purchases and must adhere to all usage guidelines outlined in the grant agreement. The refrigeration equipment remains the responsibility of the recipient organization for maintenance and care, and it cannot be transferred without prior written approval. There is no broader discretionary funding component; instead, the grant is tightly structured around improving cold storage capacity and dairy distribution. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit food pantries located within the state of Michigan that distribute groceries to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Organizations that only provide prepared meals, such as soup kitchens or meal programs at shelters, are explicitly excluded. Additionally, food pantries that have previously received a refrigeration unit through this program are not eligible to apply again. Applicants must agree to safely procure, store, and distribute dairy products and must commit to completing required program evaluations. All application responses must be completed by the applicant organization without the use of AI-generated content. The application process requires submission through an online application portal, although a PDF version is available for reference. Applicants are expected to review the full grant overview document, which outlines eligibility, available equipment options, and program requirements. Only fully completed applications will be considered. After submission, applicants can expect a response within approximately 90 days following the application deadline. If awarded, recipients must sign a letter of agreement before equipment procurement begins. The program timeline includes a firm application deadline of June 22, 2026. Following approval, refrigeration equipment is typically purchased within 90 days of receiving a completed agreement. Grantees are required to submit evaluation reports at two intervals: six months and one year after installation of the refrigeration unit. Failure to complete these evaluations will result in ineligibility for future funding opportunities. While recurrence is not explicitly stated, the structured annual timeline and ongoing partnerships suggest the program may be offered on a recurring basis. For questions or support, applicants can contact the program administrators via email at grants@milkmeansmore.org or by phone at 517-349-8923.

Ensure application is fully completed and aligns with equipment needs; failure to complete required evaluations will disqualify future funding