Oscoda MI, Aug. 9, 2024 -- The Consumers Energy Foundation unveiled the PKL Cares Food Bank as the winner of a 2024 People Award grant, distributing $250,000 to the area nonprofit to alleviate food insecurity in the community.

“Food insecurity issues are even more complex and challenging in regions where there are fewer food options, particularly northern Michigan,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The work PKL Cares is doing to ensure residents have access to fresh, healthy foods is vital not only to the health and security of their friends and neighbors, but their community as a whole, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support them in their work.”

The grant will be utilized to establish a food pantry and indoor hydroponic garden in AuSable Township as well as a community garden in Oscoda.

"We cannot express how humbled we are to be selected by the Consumers Energy Foundation to advance our Healthy Food Initiative thru PKL Cares Food Pantry and Community Garden,” said Pam Loveless, CEO of PKL Cares. “Our food insufficiency rate in Iosco County for adults and children is 55 percent above the national average. As a small rural community, being able to provide a live food pantry that offers fresh protein, dairy, fruit and vegetables was close to home for us. This gift will enable us to serve hundreds of households and provide hydroponic growing during the winter, as well as a community garden in peak season. This will not only foster healthy eating, but community education and togetherness while revitalizing vacant land in our downtown area, and we could not be more grateful for the investment in our community.” 

The $250,000 grant is one of two awarded by the Consumers Energy Foundation through its 2024 People Awards. The Foundation previously announced another $250,000 contribution to Community Food Club to make facility upgrades and increase its capacity to serve Kent County residents.

The People Awards are the second of three signature grant allocations in 2024 totaling $1.5 million. The Foundation previously awarded the Planet Awards in April, and will present the Prosperity Awards this fall to support nonprofit efforts that 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 2023, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $11 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation. 

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