The Consumers Energy Foundation has taken a powerful step to support Michigan families hit hardest by food insecurity. The foundation has announced a $250,000 grant to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, aimed at delivering essential food boxes directly to households with seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

This initiative comes at a critical moment. With the ongoing federal government shutdown halting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, more than 1.6 million residents across Michigan are struggling to access daily nutrition. For many, this disruption has meant empty shelves and growing anxiety about their next meal.

Meeting the Need Where It Matters Most

The new grant will fund a home delivery program that brings seven-day food boxes straight to people’s doorsteps. The idea is simple but deeply effective, eliminate the barriers faced by those who cannot travel to food distribution sites.

“This support from the Consumers Energy Foundation is a lifeline for thousands of Michigan families,” said Dr. Phil Knight, Executive Director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “By bringing food directly to the doorsteps of those who can’t reach distribution sites, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Each food box will contain essential groceries designed to sustain a household for an entire week. The program will prioritize families with limited mobility, low-income seniors, and households that depend on SNAP benefits as their main food source.

A Commitment Rooted in Community Care

The Consumers Energy Foundation’s mission has always revolved around improving the quality of life for Michigan communities. With this grant, it reaffirms that commitment by addressing one of the most basic human needs, food security.

“We believe no one in Michigan should go hungry,” said Brandon Hofmeister, President of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “This grant reflects our commitment to care for our communities and ensuring everyone has access to the nutrition they need to stay healthy and safe.”

The foundation’s focus on direct impact ensures that the funds reach those most affected. By working with a trusted partner like the Food Bank Council, the foundation is helping strengthen local food networks and expand access to essential supplies during a time of crisis.

Building a Stronger, Healthier Michigan

The partnership between the Consumers Energy Foundation and the Food Bank Council of Michigan is more than an emergency response. It is part of a broader effort to build resilience across the state,  ensuring that food security is not a privilege but a shared responsibility.

In moments when federal systems pause, community-driven initiatives like this one remind people that compassion and collaboration can keep hope alive. For thousands of Michigan families, this grant is more than financial support, it is a message that their struggles are seen, and help is on the way.