Grant spotlight - Emergency food pantry grants

When SNAP benefit disbursements were delayed in November 2025, families across Huron County felt the impact almost immediately. Local food pantries saw demand surge as households waited for benefits to be restored, placing unexpected strain on programs already operating with limited resources. In response, the Huron County Community Foundation quickly launched an Emergency Food Pantry Grant program to ensure that no neighbor would go without access to food during a critical time.

In just three weeks, HCCF awarded $13,000 to 11 food pantries across Huron County, providing rapid, targeted support to help pantries maintain operations and meet increased demand. Grants were used to purchase food and infant formula, allowing pantries to restock shelves that had been quickly depleted as families turned to local resources for help. Participating pantries included organizations located in the following communities: Caseville, Port Hope, Ubly, Bad Axe, Pigeon, Harbor Beach, Port Austin, Sebewaing and Elkton.

The need was significant. Pantry leaders reported record-breaking increases in demand, with one pantry seeing a 134 percent increase in families served compared to the previous year. Others shared that they were serving new families who had never needed pantry assistance before and opening additional days each week to keep up. Even after SNAP benefits resumed, many pantries had already drawn down their reserves, making this emergency support essential.

HCCF’s ability to respond quickly was made possible by the generosity of donors who support unrestricted and field-of-interest endowments. These flexible dollars allow the foundation to act when urgent needs arise, without waiting for a traditional grant cycle or designated funding source. In moments of uncertainty, this flexibility ensures help can reach the community when it matters most.

The Emergency Food Pantry Grants are a clear example of how endowment-powered philanthropy strengthens Huron County. By investing in permanent funds today, donors help ensure HCCF can continue to respond to challenges tomorrow, supporting the organizations that care for our neighbors and reinforcing a strong, resilient community.