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Press Release – Emergency Food Insecurity Community Response, Pause SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infant, Children) Benefits

Amid rising concerns about the pause of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infant, Children) benefits, a coalition of philanthropy, government, educational, and business partners have come together to provide a coordinated response to support our neighbors struggling with food insecurity.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Shawna Walraven, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation
(989) 893-4438 | shawnaw@bayfoundation.org 

Emergency Food Insecurity Community Response
Pause SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infant, Children) Benefits

Bay City, MI – Amid rising concerns about the pause of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infant, Children) benefits, a coalition of philanthropy, government, educational, and business partners have come together to provide a coordinated response to support our neighbors struggling with food insecurity.

Approximately 16,566 Bay County residents rely on SNAP benefits to purchase groceries and an additional more than 2,100 utilize WIC as assistance to purchase fresh food and formula for their children.


The coalition is:
• Coordinating with nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and health and human service agencies to find ways to fill funding gaps and assist with alternative food distribution plans.


• Keeping lines of communication open among key stakeholders to discuss immediate and long-term solutions and to ensure a unified response.


• Ensuring 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan is prepared to respond as needed and is working with referral partners to get a sense of how they are intending to respond.


As immediate short-term initiatives, the coalition has:


• Established a Food Insecurity Emergency Fund for both Bay and Arenac counties at the Bay Area Community Foundation. The purpose of this fund is to gather contributions for rapid deployment to community-based organizations who are working on the frontlines to ensure that all resources are deployed to help triage food insecurity, our children are cared for, and emergency needs of our neighbors and families are met.


The fund is designed to complement the work of our food pantries and expand local capacity to address this unprecedented situation, particularly among those who are disproportionately impacted by the consequences of this pause in funding. Contributions to the fund can be made online at www.bayfoundation.org or via mail (payable to BACF with Food Insecurity and either Bay or Arenac noted in memo line) at 1000 Adams Street, Suite 200, Bay City, MI 48708. Please call 989-893-4438 with questions.


• Convened the Bay County Food Council that is comprised of food pantries, soup kitchens and food distribution sites to establish a coordinated effort of food collection and distribution.

• Collected food donations of non-perishable items can be dropped off at the United Way of Bay County, 909 Washington Ave., Bay City between 9 AM – 3 PM, Monday through Friday. These donations will be used to stock the shelves at local pantries and not be distributed directly to individuals.


In addition to financial contributions or non-perishable food donations, community members can also support by volunteering at one of the organizations serving food. Look for opportunities at www.unitedwaybaycounty.org.


If you would like to learn about how you can help, please contact the Bay Area Community Foundation (shawnaw@bayfoundation.org or 989-893-4438) or United Way of Bay County (nicole@unitedwaybaycounty.org or 989-893-7508).


For anyone who is experiencing food insecurity, please dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211nemichigan.org to be connected to local resources.


Coalition Partners:
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Bay Area Community Foundation
Bay Arenac Intermediate School District
Bay County
City of Bay City
United Way of Bay County

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The Bay Area Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization working to improve the quality of life in Bay and Arenac counties. The Foundation’s mission is to build community through generosity, leadership and strategic grantmaking. The Bay Area Community Foundation is in the Pere Marquette Depot at 1000 Adams Street, Suite 200, Bay City, Michigan 48708. For more information, visit www.bayfoundation.org.

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Nicole Horn

989.893.4438 or email below 

Donor Relations and Communications Officer

At BACF, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission in meaningful and impactful ways. As your main contact for donor-advised funds, I help ensure that each donor’s unique passions are brought to life through their giving—whether this be through designated or agency funds. It is an honor to connect with generous community members, and I am always available to discuss how you can create a lasting impact in our community.  

In addition, I oversee all of BACF’s communications, bringing ideas to life through engaging stories and visuals. While upholding our brand identity, I strive to highlight the remarkable individuals in our community and the collaborative efforts that make Bay and Arenac counties exceptional places to live, work, and thrive.

As a lifelong Bay County resident, I am deeply connected to our people and community. I cherish the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Bay and Arenac counties, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

I Can Help You With:

  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Agency & Designated Funds
  • Business Sponsorships
  • Give Local Bay and BACF Events
  • BACF Website
  • BACF Donor Portal

Things I Do In My Free Time: You’ll often find me at a local coffee shop in Downtown Bay City and frequenting the area’s local arts and music scene. I also love hiking and exploring parks both in our area and throughout northern Michigan.

Madi Syring

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program Officer

I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.

I am dedicated to supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to improve our community. Additionally, I provide capacity-building opportunities by hosting educational workshops, managing Catchafire—a volunteer platform connecting organizations with professional services at no cost—and offering technical assistance and resources to build strength in our nonprofit community.
 

I Can Help You With:

  • Navigating the Competitive Grant Process
  • Finding Funding Alignment
  • Building Organizational Capacity
  • Technical Assistance

Things I Do In My Free Time: Outside of work, you might catch me on the trail with my dog! I love backpacking, hiking, hunting, and kayaking all over Michigan. I’m also an avid reader, so you might find me at a local library or bookshop. 

Rachael Rosas

989.893.4438 or email below

Administrative Officer

As the Administrative Officer at BACF, my responsibilities include maintaining our comprehensive database, accurately documenting gifts, and collaborating with building vendors to maintain the historic Pere Marquette Depot.

I am committed to establishing well-documented processes that contribute to the ongoing success of BACF. My deep appreciation for the Pere Marquette Depot drives me to preserve this historic landmark as a source of price for our community, ensuring its legacy for future generations. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Making a Gift to One of Our Many Funds
  • Updating Your Contact Information
  • Identifying the Most Helpful Staff Member or Resource
  • Answering General Questions about BACF
  • Providing Information About the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy immersing myself in flower gardening and various art projects. I love spending time in nature and attending community events, which help me stay connected and get inspired. 

Frances Moore

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program and Finance Associate

As the Program and Finance Associate at BACF, I support our Scholarship Program and partner with the Director of Finance on financial reporting. I also assist in the management of the Pere Marquette Depot and the 1904 Room event space.

I am honored to play a role in helping individuals achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. I am passionate about making a positive impact and am always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure the success of our programs and the betterment of our community. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Scholarship Applications and Award Process
  • Information about the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space
  • Coordination with Scholarship Committees
  • General Support for BACF Programs and Initiatives

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, camping under the stars, and bike riding through scenic trails.