Gaylord, MI - Munson Healthcare is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to the Otsego County Food Pantry, reinforcing its commitment to improving economic security and food access across northern Michigan. This contribution aligns with the priorities identified in Munson’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), specifically addressing economic security and access to nutritious food.
Pictured from Left: Pictured left to right: Catherine Dewey, MHC East Region Marketing Communications Manager; Rob Richardson, OMH President; Ron Nowak, Otsego County Food Pantry Volunteer; Sally Nowak, Otsego County Food Pantry Volunteer; Mary Hoppe, MHC East Region Respiratory Therapy Manager; Chantel Maczorowski, OMH Nursing Department Assistant; Jason Strach, OMH Urgent Care Manager; Dawn Depew, OMH Surgical Services Nurse Manager.
This latest gift builds on Munson Healthcare’s earlier support of Goodwill Northern Michigan’s Food Rescue program, which helps deliver rescued food to the Otsego County Food Pantry and dozens of other partners across the region. Together, these investments are expanding access to healthy food and reducing waste across northern Michigan.
The Otsego County Food Pantry, operated entirely by volunteers from 13 area churches, provides emergency food assistance to residents who live or work in Otsego County. In recent years, the pantry has served over 6,000 individuals and 2,000 families annually. The donation will allow the pantry to serve more community members in need and support its Backpack Program which provides nutritious, easy-to-prepare food for children and families over weekends and school breaks.
“By investing in food access, we’re investing in the long-term health and resilience of our communities. We’re proud to partner with organizations like the Otsego County Food Pantry that are making a real difference every day,” said Rob Richardson, Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) President.
“The Otsego County Food Pantry is most appreciative of the gift of funds, and the gift of service, provided by the Munson staff members who came to help us serve our clients in the pantry,” said Rebecca Brown, OCFP Chairperson. “It was a great opportunity to build our partnership and shared commitment to addressing needs within our communities.”
Munson Healthcare remains committed to addressing social determinants of health and supporting community-based solutions that improve the well-being of residents across northern Michigan.
For more information about Munson Healthcare’s community health initiatives, visit munsonhealthcare.org/communitybenefit. To learn more about the Otsego County Food Pantry or to support its mission, visit otsegocountyfoodpantry.org.