COLDWATER, MI — Meridian Health Plan leaders visited the Branch Area Food Pantry on Tuesday, May 12 to present a $75,000 grant, supporting local and regional hunger relief agencies as they serve more people with fewer resources.
The grant is part of Meridian’s $1 million, multi-year commitment to support food programs statewide.Patty Graham, president and CEO of Meridian Health Plan, said the investment helps close gaps in access to healthy food.
“We see an opportunity to help people access healthy food and nutrition,” Graham said. “We’re committed to making a positive difference.”
The Branch Area Food Pantry is one of about 350 partners served by the South Michigan Food Bank.The pantry at 22 Pierson St. spends roughly $1 million annually to provide food to residents across Branch County.
Demand continues to rise
South Michigan Food Bank CEO Peter Vogel said food assistance demand across the eight-county region has risen 20% to 30% over the past year as key food sources have declined.
“Our food supply has decreased just as demand has increased,” Vogel said.
Federal food programs, once a major supply source, dropped from 34% of the food bank’s inventory in 2024 to about 20% last year — a loss of nearly 2 million pounds. Grocery retailer donations have also declined as stores reduce surplus.
Trucks that once returned full now often come back only one-third full, limiting a key source of supply for regional food pantries.
Despite shortages, the food bank continues to distribute large volumes—about 11.5 to 12 million pounds annually — after setting pandemic records, including over 14 million pounds last year.
Upcoming changes to SNAP are expected to increase the number of residents using local food pantries. Graham said Meridian’s support will strengthen community-based solutions.
Meridian Health Plan primarily serves Medicaid members across Michigan, many of whom need better access to healthy food.
“Supporting local food pantries provides fresh food and nutrition, improving health,” Graham said.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Branch County food pantry awarded $75K grant as food insecurity grows
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
