Helping Our Neighbors: HCCF Emergency Food Pantry Grants Make an Immediate Impact
December 2, 2025
When SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were delayed in November 2025, families across Huron County felt the strain. Local food pantries also faced increased demand. In response, the Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) quickly launched an Emergency Food Pantry Grant program to provide urgent support to the pantries that help keep our community fed.
In just three weeks, HCCF awarded $13,000 to 11 food pantries across Huron County. These funds helped pantries meet the growing need for food assistance during a critical time.
Quick Support for Local Pantries
The grant program opened on November 12 and final awards were sent by December 2. Pantries in Caseville, Port Hope, Ubly, Bad Axe, Pigeon, Harbor Beach, Port Austin, Sebewaing, and Elkton received funding to support their operations and provide food to families who needed it most.
Across Huron County, 1 in 8 households rely on SNAP benefits. Even though benefits were restored on November 12, the delay created extra pressure on local pantries. Many relied on their own resources to serve a growing number of families.
Stories from the Pantries
Food pantry leaders shared the impact they saw in their communities:
“We are seeing 24 families now compared to the usual 4 to 5 per week. We are having to open several days a week to accommodate the need.”
“Year to date we are up over 134 percent. We have served 1,433 people through October compared to 612 last year.”
“Because of the government shutdown and SNAP benefits being delayed, our large food order was nearly wiped from our shelves. It was a blessing to be able to help those additional families.”
“In the first six days of November, we saw 13 new families who had never been to the pantry before.”
Supporting the Helpers
HCCF Executive Director Mackenzie Price said, “We wanted to help the helpers. Our local food pantries have stepped up to ensure that our neighbors have food on their table, especially during the holiday season. Our community is resilient, and our pantries show that resiliency every day.”
HCCF’s ability to respond quickly is made possible in part by donors who give unrestricted gifts to the foundation. These flexible gifts allow HCCF to provide direct support where it is most needed.
“Our food pantries are still seeing increased demand,” Price added. “If you can, consider a monetary contribution to your local pantry this season to help them support our neighbors in need.”
Be a Part of the Solution
The Huron County Community Foundation is your local partner in philanthropic giving. Contact Mackenzie Price at mackenzie@huroncounty.com to learn more about how you can help.