UDIM Food Pantry Grant Program 2025

The Food Pantry Grant is a collaborative initiative supported by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. These organizations, all operating as nonprofit corporations and licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, aim to enhance access to nutritious dairy products and fresh produce through direct support to Michigan food pantries. Their overarching goal is to equip food pantries to better serve individuals and families facing food insecurity with nutrient-rich options. The primary offering of this grant is a commercial-grade refrigeration unit, valued up to $7,000, which helps pantries maintain a safe storage environment for dairy products and produce. In addition to the equipment, grantees receive technical assistance tailored to pantry operations and a $250 dairy match fund for purchasing eligible dairy products. The refrigeration units are sourced by UDIM through approved vendors, and their selection is based on the information provided in the application. Details and dimensions of available refrigeration units are specified, and models may vary depending on vendor availability. To be eligible, applicants must represent a food pantry as defined by the grant—namely, a nonprofit that distributes groceries to individuals and families in need. Organizations such as soup kitchens and shelters that provide prepared meals are not eligible. The pantry must be located in Michigan, and previous grant recipients who received refrigeration units are not eligible to apply again. Only complete, non-AI-generated applications will be reviewed. Additionally, recipients are required to conduct and submit evaluations six months and one year after installation. The timeline for the grant includes a final application deadline of June 22, 2025. Applicants can expect to be notified of their status within 90 days of the deadline. Following approval and a signed letter of agreement, equipment will be procured within 90 days. Evaluations are a critical part of the grant, and failure to complete them disqualifies recipients from future opportunities. Grant recipients must sign a formal agreement and commit to using the grant equipment and dairy match funds as outlined. Equipment must be used solely for the purposes approved, and ownership remains with the pantry upon delivery. The use of nutrition education materials provided by UDIM is also mandatory. Any misuse of the grant or failure to adhere to the guidelines may lead to revocation of funds and ineligibility for future grants. There is no contact person, phone number, or email explicitly listed within the grant overview. However, inquiries likely need to be directed through the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, whose website is mentioned in the document.