Saluting Michigan helpers
Michigan first responders receive a hot meal from Mrs. C’s Grilled Cheese during the recent ice storm.
Community steps up providing food and comfort to those hit by ice storms, power outages
April 23, 2025
In what many call a once-in-a-generation storm, northern Michigan still is reeling from the historic ice storm that hit the area in late March.
Ravaging an area across 12 counties, the storm triggered widespread power outages and loss of phone and cellular services. Debris and downed trees and power lines created impassable roads.
The storm knocked out power, though it didn’t tarnish the spirit of at least one local couple.
Sarah Coker, who owns Mrs. C’s Grilled Cheese in central Michigan, used her food truck to deliver meals to those in need. Sarah and her husband Dave started on a journey to provide hot meals to those on the front line of fighting the storm and its aftermath.
Michigan Army National Guard are first responders in times of Michigan emergencies and natural disasters.
During the first week of the storm, they donated hundreds of hot meals—and more than 2,500 sandwiches—not only to first responders and linemen, but also to anyone in Gaylord, Mackinaw and Johannesburg in need of food.
“This was an ice storm that you had to see to believe,” said Sarah. “It was so much worse than what the videos or photos showed, and we felt compelled to help.”
For at least one Michigan native and resident, the Cokers showcase the best of Michigan.
“It warms the heart—especially in heart-wrenching situations—to see how the Cokers volunteered their time and money to help others,” said Lauren Brown, Enbridge community engagement advisor.
“In addition to the hard work of feeding people, they spent hours on the road each day as no hotel rooms were available in the communities they served.”
“When you see a need, you have to step up. Many people pitched in to help.”
—Sarah Coker, owner, Mrs. C’s Grilled Cheese
Michigan community pitches in
As the Cokers continued their efforts, others pitched in to help. Some Clare County area grocery stores donated food; a Gaylord-area propane dealer helped fill the tank of their food truck; and Enbridge, a Clare County real estate organization, and a few individual agents chipped in financially, keeping the food ready to serve.
The storm disrupted power to more than 10,000 residents. As of mid-April, some are still without power, leading the Michigan legislature to advance a bill to put $75 million in state money toward disaster relief efforts in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Mrs. C’s Grilled Cheese truck on the road delivering warm meals to folks during the recent ice storm.
On April 16, the House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the proposal, advancing it to the House for consideration.
Shaun Lamp, president and CEO of Great Lakes Energy, highlighted the scale of the effort. “It is not a rewiring or a restore,” said Lamp. “It is a rebuild.”
As the area rebuilds from the storm, Mrs. C’s Grilled Cheese is still serving sandwiches and a host of other favorite foods. To learn more about Mrs. C’s click here.
