In late 2022, Portage Health Foundation released an Emergency Food Pantry Grant Request for Proposal (RFP). These funds were granted in order to better serve community members and ease access to necessities such as food, hygiene products and childcare products. In total, $19,500 was awarded to eight organizations.
This grant allowed for the Copper Country Angel Mission to purchase more food, specifically a more nutritionally balanced diet for their clients.
Finlandia University used these funds for The Table: Student Needs Pantry, where students can access shelf-stable foods, toiletries, fresh produce and fresh dairy products.
Pantries are necessary for supplying all kinds of non-perishables, including diapers. The Keweenaw Family Resource Center provided diapers, wipes and other hygienic supplies for infants and toddlers.
The church aims to offer a comprehensive pantry for low-income residents. Not only do they offer non-perishable food, but they also offer toiletries and cleaning supplies.
31 Backpacks has been busy serving approximately 180 families, as well as servicing the food pantries for two different schools.
The St. Nicholas Project provided food cards and vouchers for residents of Ontonagon County to help them have a healthy and nutritious holiday season, focusing on low income families and seniors.
St. Vincent de Paul in L’Anse provided coupons for meat, eggs and milk, along with other pantry items to residents in need.
The pandemic has caused a decrease in food donations and an increase in the need for food donations. The funds helped Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly to continue their monthly food bag and Christmas food box programs.
The Emergency Food Pantry RFP was available for the second time in 2022. To see other grant opportunities at Portage Health Foundation, visit phfgive.org/grants. Subscribe to our email newsletter to stay up to date on future grant opportunities.