HOUGHTON LAKE – The Consumers Energy Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to Roscommon United Way for the establishment of a mobile soup kitchen. The money comes via the Consumers “People Awards.”
The program will provide meals to county residents living within certain income guidelines. The grant will also support other local pantries, including the We Care Shop in St. Helen (outside walk in freezer / refrigerator combo) Roscommon County Food Pantry (handicap accessible ramp).
Just two grants were awarded to the more than 100 community groups that applied, including United Way and Cristo Rey Community Center in Lansing
The Consumers Energy Foundation’s People Awards support nonprofit organizations working to provide economic security for Michigan residents through programs and services centered on basic needs, education and workforce readiness.
“The Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to support programs and initiatives that have a direct impact on our neighbors and the communities we serve,” said Foundation President Brandon Hofmeister. “These contributions will enable two incredible organizations to expand the work they’re doing to meet the needs of Michiganders.”
Executive Coordinator of Roscommon County United Way, Cherrie Benchley, said ‘Thank you hardly seems adequate.
“It is difficult to find the right words to express the gratitude we feel for this extraordinarily generous grant,” Benchley said. “It will bring an incredibly positive change to our communities and the families we serve … We are very grateful”
Grant Coordinator Thomas Petite is excited about the grant and its effect on county residents.
“When experiencing food insecurities, individuals in rural communities face additional challenges such as the travel distance to a soup kitchen,” Petite said. “Receiving this grant will not only provide Roscommon County with a soup kitchen, but it will be mobile, easing the challenge of distance.
The People Awards are the final of three signature grant allocations in 2022 totaling $1.5 million. The foundation previously awarded Planet Awards and Prosperity Awards to support nonprofit efforts that protect Michigan’s environment and support economic development.
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2021, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed over $17.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.
Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
