Michigan groups receive donations to address hunger
4-H auction helps provide food, supports Michigan farmers
Oct. 29, 2025
They could be your neighbors, friends, even family members—one out of seven are going hungry.
That’s how many people in west Michigan and the Upper Peninsula face food insecurity every day, according to Feeding America West Michigan.
To help combat hunger in the Upper Peninsula and Lower Michigan, Enbridge recently donated almost 900 pounds of meat to seven organizations:
- Delta County Senior Center
- Escanaba Student Success Center
- St. Ignace Food Pantry
- Salvation Army of Sault Ste. Marie
- Cedarville Post Emergency Food Pantry
- Cheboygan Senior Center
- Chippewa Luce Mackinaw Community Action
“Every year, Enbridge participates in the 4-H auction at the U.P. State Fair,” said Lauren Brown, community engagement advisor for Enbridge Line 5 in Michigan.
“It’s another way to help organizations in their mission to address the food insecurity hundreds of Michiganders face each day while supporting our farmers.”
Additionally, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM) in September received a $50,000 donation from Enbridge to support FBEM’s efforts to address food insecurity across the State.
Half the donation will support FBEM’s Northern Expansion project, which aims to increase fresh food access in underserved areas, including the Upper Peninsula.
“This expansion will make a tremendous impact, ensuring that more families—especially in rural areas—receive the healthy food they need,” said Kara Ross, FBEM president and CEO.
“We are incredibly grateful for Enbridge’s commitment to fighting hunger. Their generosity allows us to continue our mission of serving the most vulnerable in our communities.”
The Northern Expansion project is a collaborative effort between FBEM and Feeding America West Michigan. The organizations will partner with more than 1,200 agencies to serve 62 of Michigan’s 83 counties to address food security.
“This collaborative effort exemplifies the power of partnerships in trying to resolve a fundamental need—providing food to our communities.”
—Lauren Brown, Enbridge community engagement advisor
Fueling the fleet
The remaining $25,000 will support a FBEM program designed to reach additional Michiganders, using a fleet of semitrailers and culinary box trucks that will deliver food six days a week and travel approximately 500,000 miles each year to bridge gaps in food access.
Driving change
“We believe in purposeful actions that provide access to necessities,” said Brown. “Fresh, nutritious food lays a foundation for strong, resilient communities, and we are proud to do our part.”
