As we’re nearing the end of 2023, most of us are making plans to gather with friends and family and give thanks for the memorable moments that have filled our lives this past year. However, if you’ve been personally impacted by economic hardships and you’re unable to pay for basic needs such as food, the emptiness you feel can be overwhelming and life-threatening.
The most recent data from Feeding America shows there are nearly 1.2 million people in Michigan coping with food insecurity. That’s more than 10 percent of our state’s population. Worse yet, 1-in-8 children in our state live with some level of food insecurity, which can harm their physical and mental development for the rest of their lives.
Many of the people experiencing food insecurity do not qualify for federal food programs, so a local food pantry is likely the only place they can turn to for support.
That’s why the DTE Energy Foundation has once again provided grants to 19 pantries in Michigan totaling $334,500.
Each year, the Foundation supports large and small pantries throughout the state as a way of helping those in need, strengthening our communities.
“These pantries play an integral part in helping individuals and families put food on the table and provide a sense of comfort during difficult times,” said Rodney Cole, president of DTE Foundation. “By supporting these pantries, we’re helping to maintain an easily accessible and local resource for families and community members to obtain a basic human necessity to live, and that is a core focus of the DTE Foundation.”
Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan has served the metro Detroit area since 1977. It has three locations in Detroit, Taylor and Livingston. It recently received a $100,000 grant from the DTE Foundation.
“We’re grateful for the compassion and support of the DTE Foundation,” said Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. “The toxic stress over the tradeoffs that come with hunger can be overwhelming for some adults and families. A complex problem like food insecurity takes collaborative solutions, and the DTE Foundation really delivers. Everyone wins when hunger is solved, and we’re thankful to have the DTE Foundation by our side.”
Below is the list of Michigan food pantries that received grants from the DTE Foundation this fall. Join us in giving back this season by visiting an agency near you to see how you can help.
SE Michigan Grants
- The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division
- SOS Food Pantry
- Downriver Helping Hands
- Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry
- Food Gatherers’ Hunger Relief Network
- Forgotten Harvest
- Gleaners of Southeastern Michigan
Port Huron Area Grants
- Harbor Impact Ministries
- Blue Water Community Food Depot
- Mid City Nutrition
- Yale Community Food Fund
West Michigan Grants
Northern Michigan Grants