Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan’s Agent Charitable Fund (ACF) and the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies (MFBFoC) are fighting food insecurity across the state, awarding $37,100 in Feeding the Future and Agents for Change grants in February.
ACF Nonprofit Grants
Eight Michigan nonprofits were recently awarded hunger-relief grants to fight food insecurity in their communities. Feeding the Future Grants are administered by the Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Agent Charitable Fund (ACF).
Eligible recipients are nominated by their local Farm Bureau Insurance agent and selected by a committee of ACF donors based on the need of the organization, population being served and overall goal of the program. 501(c)(3) nonprofits can utilize Michigan Farm Bureau’s Find an Agent tool to locate an agent in their area. The next round of Feeding the Future Grants is open, and the submission deadline is Friday, March 27.
Believers Food Pantry, Grand Ledge — Grant funds will be used to purchase food items from the Greater Lansing Food Bank, including protein, dairy products, canned goods and dry goods. Believers Food Pantry was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Tim Barry.
Delivering Hope, Fenton — Grant funds will be used to purchase food for the organization’s food assistance program, which provides weekend food assistance to Fenton and Linden children. Delivering Hope was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Ryan Valade.
Huron Youth Advisory Council, Elkton — Grant funds will be used to source and distribute food for a pop-up pantry coordinated in partnership with the Huron Youth Center, Elkton Lions Club and local Farm Bureau members. The Huron Youth Advisory Council was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Amber Goodchild.
Laingsburg Area Food Bank, Laingsburg — Grant funds will be used to source and distribute food for neighbors in need. Laingsburg Area Food Bank was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Jessica Clark.
Lions of Michigan Foundation, Shields — Grant funds will be used to source and distribute food for the Shields Lions Club’s community food giveaways. The Lions of Michigan Foundation was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Dezi Campos.
Muskegon Rescue Mission, Muskegon — Grant funds will be used to purchase nutritious food items to stock the shelter kitchen, which provides more than 300 meals each day. Muskegon Rescue Mission was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent John McCleve.
Oaks Village, Monroe — Grant funds will be used to purchase fresh produce for the Oaks Village Food Pantry so families can have healthier food box options. Oaks Village was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Kelsey Starr.
Project Feed the Kids, Traverse City — Grant funds will be used to purchase food for children in need. Project Feed the Kids was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Scott Carter.
MFB Family of Companies & ACF School Grants
Nine Michigan schools were recently awarded grants to fight childhood food insecurity through in-school hunger-relief programming and agricultural education. Agents for Change grants are administered by the ACF and MFB Family of Companies.
Eligible recipients are nominated by their local Farm Bureau Insurance agent and selected by a committee of ACF donors based on the need of the school and overall goal of the program. School districts can utilize Michigan Farm Bureau’s Find an Agent tool to locate an agent in their area. The next round of Agents for Change Grants is open and the submission deadline is Friday, March 27.
Birch Run Area Schools, Birch Run — Grant funds will be used to purchase nutritious food items for the high school’s Panther CARE Pantry. Birch Run Area Schools was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Tom Gotham.
Houghton Lake Community Schools, Houghton Lake — Grant funds will be used to purchase snacks for students at Collins Elementary. Houghton Lake Community Schools was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Stephanie Turner.
North Branch Area Schools, North Branch — Grant funds will be used to purchase food for the district’s weekend food program. North Branch Area Schools was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Austin Smith.
Marquette Area Public Schools, Marquette — Grant funds will be used to purchase healthy and nutritious food items for the district’s JJ Packs food program. Marquette Area Public Schools was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Scott Huber.
Midland Public Schools, Midland — Grant funds will be used to purchase food for the Backpack Buddy Program at Adams Elementary. Midland Public Schools was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Matt Larson.
Olivet Community Schools, Olivet — Grant funds will be used to purchase healthy snacks for students at Fern Persons Elementary. Olivet Community Schools was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Gabe Beam.
Reese Public Schools, Reese — Grant funds will be used to purchase food items for the middle and high school’s backpack program in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Reese Public Schools was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Rob Pike.
Three Lakes Academy, Curtis — Grant funds will be used to purchase healthy snacks for students throughout the school year. Three Lakes Academy was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Tracy Germain.
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District, Woodhaven — Grant funds will be used to bring the FARM Science Lab to Wegienka Elementary and provide students with STEM-based agricultural lessons and a farm field trip experience. Woodhaven-Brownstown School District was nominated by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Keaton Gilliam.
The Agent Charitable Fund, whose mission is to end hunger in Michigan, is a donor-designated fund administered through the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture. The Michigan Foundation for Agriculture, a 501(c)(3) governed by Michigan Farm Bureau’s board of directors, positively contributes to the future of Michigan agriculture through leadership and educational programming.
Operating at the intersection of market and moral missions, the MFB Family of Companies has a powerful vision: a Michigan where no child goes to bed hungry. MFB Family of Companies is reinvesting their proceeds back into their local communities and identifying effective programs, policies and practices designed to directly reduce childhood hunger.
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