The school bell rings in Northeast Michigan, and kids rush out the door with laughter and backpacks in tow. But for more than 400 children, those backpacks carry more than books —they hold the promise of a meal, a weekend without hunger and a little peace of mind. Behind this simple act is a powerful partnership between the DTE Foundation and the United Way of Northeast Michigan, bringing stability and support to more than 67,000 residents across the region.
“With DTE’s support, we’re helping families put food on the table and meet their most basic needs,” said Joe Gentry, Executive Director of United Way. “Seeing the difference this partnership makes, from the kids we serve each week to the families who rely on our services, is what keeps us going.”
Through grants from the DTE Foundation, programs like Feeding Kids Ministry and the Alcona Backpack Program do more than fill plates, they fill hearts. Each meal delivered means a child can go to bed without hunger and a family can breathe a little easier. And when emergencies strike, these programs are there, offering immediate help to neighbors facing the harsh reality of food insecurity across Northeast Michigan.
“Thanks to DTE’s partnership, our programs have the stability we need to make a lasting impact,” Gentry said. “It helps us plan ahead, respond to challenges and make sure families across our community never go without support.”
Learn more about the DTE Foundation’s commitment to communities across Michigan at https://empoweringmichigan.com/foundation/.