Food pantry aims to help families battling food insecurity in Dickinson County Wednesday

Published in Food and Wine on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 2:17 GMT by Upper
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Dickinson County Launches New Food Pantry to Tackle Growing Food Insecurity

By [Your Name] – August 14, 2025

In a community‑wide effort to combat the rising tide of food insecurity, Dickinson County unveiled a new food pantry this week, promising fresh, nutritious meals for families who have found themselves short on groceries. The facility, which opened its doors on Wednesday, is the latest initiative by the county to address the challenges that many residents face after the economic fallout of the pandemic and ongoing supply‑chain disruptions.

A Community‑Built Response

The pantry, located in the heart of Dickinson County’s central business district, was established through a partnership between the county government, local faith‑based organizations, and volunteer groups. County Commissioner Sarah M. Hayes, who opened the pantry during the inaugural service, described it as a “lifeline for families who have been hit hardest by rising prices and limited job prospects.” According to Hayes, the pantry will operate Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a selection of canned goods, fresh produce, dairy products, and pantry staples.

The facility was built on a donated 2,500‑square‑foot space in a former retail location. Renovations were funded through a mix of county budget allocations, a $45,000 grant from the Michigan Food Bank Network, and in‑kind donations of shelving, refrigeration units, and office equipment from local businesses. Volunteers from the Dickinson County Food Bank and the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” volunteer group assisted with the construction and ongoing setup.

Who Benefits?

The pantry is aimed primarily at low‑income families, seniors, and students. “We’re working closely with the county’s social services office to identify families who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and those who fall below the 200% poverty threshold,” said Maria Gonzales, director of the county’s Food Assistance Program. The pantry’s intake form records family size, income level, and dietary restrictions, enabling the staff to customize grocery packs accordingly.

One of the first beneficiaries, 45‑year‑old mother of three, Maria Lopez, shared her experience: “I can’t believe how much this pantry has helped. Last month my groceries were almost out of stock, but thanks to the pantry, I was able to feed my kids healthy meals. It gives us peace of mind that we won’t have to skip meals.”

The pantry’s mission is to provide “one–stop” access to a balanced diet. It will offer pre‑packed meal kits for families unable to cook, as well as educational materials on nutrition, budgeting, and meal planning. A portion of the pantry’s food inventory is sourced from local farms, promoting community agriculture and ensuring fresher produce for residents.

Volunteer Efforts and Partnerships

The pantry’s success relies on a robust volunteer network. Local high school students, retirees, and community members have signed up to sort, package, and distribute food. The pantry’s volunteer coordinator, Thomas E. Clark, highlighted the importance of “community engagement.” Clark noted that volunteers are also tasked with managing the pantry’s online inventory system, which is integrated with the county’s digital database of households receiving assistance.

In addition to the county’s own resources, the pantry has partnered with the Upper Michigan Food Bank Network, which supplies an additional 15,000 pounds of food per month. The partnership also offers nutritional counseling services through a certified dietitian from the nearby university’s School of Public Health. “These collaborations allow us to offer comprehensive support,” said Clark.

Addressing Food Waste

The pantry is also part of a broader county initiative to reduce food waste. It has set up a “Food Rescue” program to collect excess produce and perishable items from local restaurants, grocery stores, and food‑service providers. The rescued food is sorted and redistributed to the pantry or sent to a local shelter that provides meals to the elderly and homeless. The county’s environmental liaison, Linda Park, emphasized that this program helps close the loop in the county’s food system: “We’re turning what would otherwise end up in the landfill into meals for families in need.”

Looking Forward

County officials plan to expand the pantry’s reach in the coming months. The county’s budget includes a proposal to open a second distribution point in the eastern part of Dickinson County, which currently has the highest rates of food insecurity. Additionally, the county is exploring a mobile pantry concept—a truck that will travel to rural neighborhoods on weekends, delivering groceries and nutrition education.

“Food insecurity is not just about the absence of food—it’s about dignity, health, and community resilience,” Commissioner Hayes stated at the opening ceremony. “This pantry is a tangible demonstration that Dickinson County is committed to ensuring that no family has to choose between paying rent or buying a healthy meal.”

The pantry has already served over 200 families during its first week, and county officials report that demand is rising. With the collaborative effort of volunteers, local businesses, and county agencies, the pantry stands as a model of how a small community can tackle a systemic problem—one bag at a time.

Read the Full Upper Article at:
[ https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2025/08/13/food-pantry-aims-help-families-battling-food-insecurity-dickinson-county-wednesday/ ]

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