Our community is facing a critical moment. As the holiday season approaches—a time meant for warmth and gathering—many of our neighbors in Northwest Michigan are grappling with a severe increase in food insecurity.

Recent shifts in federal support, including a pause in November SNAP benefits for many Michigan residents, coupled with the rising cost of living, are creating unprecedented strain on local households. Our local food network is already struggling to keep up.

The Local Reality

The statistics paint a clear picture of the urgent need right here in our area:

• 1 in 7 people in West and Northwest Michigan currently face food insecurity.

• The demand at local food pantries has increased by up to 70% in the last four years, and we anticipate lines will grow even longer with the lapse in benefits.

• Child food insecurity rates saw a massive 52.5% increase last year, putting the health and development of our youngest neighbors at risk.

For families already living paycheck to paycheck, this sudden loss of essential food assistance is devastating, forcing them to choose between groceries, rent, and medicine.

How You Can Answer the Call

We are launching an emergency community initiative to ensure every table in our community has food for this Thanksgiving and through winter. We need your help to bridge this gap.

1. Donate Funds: The Most Impactful Resource

Monetary donations allow us to purchase high-demand, high-quality, and perishable items (like milk, eggs, and fresh produce) in bulk. This is the most efficient way to help.

• Pledge a Holiday Box: A donation of $75 provides a complete holiday meal for a local family of four.

• Drop off: The Folded Leaf – 9044 S. Kasson St. Unit A, Cedar, MI 49621

2. Donate Goods: Non-Perishable Essentials

While financial aid is preferred, donations of shelf-stable, high-protein foods are always welcome. Please focus on:

• Canned Tuna/Chicken

• Peanut Butter

• Canned Vegetables (low sodium)

• Whole Grain Pasta and Rice

This is more than charity; it’s community resilience.

By working together, we can ensure that a momentary lapse in federal support does not translate into hunger for our friends and neighbors during the most difficult time of the year.

To donate, sign up to volunteer, or find drop-off locations, please email Rachel at [email redacted]

Contact Us: [phone redacted] or stop by at 9044 S. Kasson St. Unit A, Cedar, MI 49621

Thank you for being the heart of Northwest Michigan. Let's feed our community this winter.