Food Pantry Grant Program

United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, and the Superior Health Foundation are proud to partner with Michigan’s food pantries to provide equipment and resources for distributing of dairy and other nutrient-rich, fresh food options to clients. 

Applications will be accepted through June 22, 2026.

GRANT OVERVIEW

Read the Food Pantry Grant Overview before submitting an application.

Food pantries may apply for a refrigeration unit (valued up to $7,000) to improve pantry infrastructure in support of the distribution of dairy foods and fresh produce and receive $250 in match funding for additional dairy foods for their clients. Equipment will be selected based on the grant application and will be purchased by United Dairy Industry of Michigan through approved vendors (available refrigeration units are listed on last page of Grant Overview).

ELIGIBILITY

• A food pantry staff member must complete the grant application.
• For purposes of this grant, a food pantry is a nonprofit organization that distributes groceries to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
• Organizations that only provide prepared meals, for example, soup kitchens, supper clubs and meals at shelters and community centers aren’t considered food pantries under this grant.
• Previous Food Pantry grant recipients that received a refrigeration unit aren’t eligible.
• Food Pantry must be in Michigan.
• Food pantries submitting for this grant agree to procure, safely store and distribute dairy foods.
• Only fully completed applications submitted will be considered.
• All application responses are to be those of the applicant. Any AI-assisted content must be reviewed to ensure responses are accurate and reflect the applicant’s own experience..
• All food pantries awarded will be required to submit program evaluations. Food pantries that fail to complete evaluation won’t be eligible for future funding.