For many children in northern Michigan, the school cafeteria provides more than just lunch—it’s a lifeline. But when the weekend arrives, food insecurity can leave students without the nourishment they need to thrive.
Recognizing this gap, Munson Healthcare has made donations to support Blessings in a Backpack programs at Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN) with additional plans to extend the same support to the Manistee Blessings in a Backpack Program in January. These programs provide weekend meals to students who rely on school food during the week, helping ensure no child goes hungry when school is out.
“Food insecurity is a real barrier to learning and thriving,” said Christi Nowak, System Director of Community Health and Engagement. “By supporting Blessings in a Backpack, we’re helping kids show up to school ready to succeed—not just academically, but physically and emotionally.”
But the support didn’t stop with funding. Healthcare teams from Paul Oliver Memorial hospital gathered the week before Thanksgiving to pack backpacks filled with kid-friendly, nutritious food—demonstrating a hands-on commitment to the health of their communities.
Nowak commented, “while the holidays bring joy and abundance for many, not all families in our community experience them the same way. Supporting the program the week before Thanksgiving can help ease some of the stress families may face during this season.”
According to Liz Hamm, Program Director at Benzie Area Christina Neighbors, the program has provided more than 100,000 bags to students in Benzie County since its inception 10 years ago. “We are grateful for the partnership of Munson Healthcare to provide funding and volunteers to help sustain our program.”
The Manistee program currently serves 143 children weekly, though the need is closer to 480. The program’s growth is limited by consistent funding. Munson’s donation will extend weekend food bags to High School students in need, who are not currently supported by the program.
The Manistee Blessings program is made possible through a long history of volunteerism and community members who come every week to pack the backs. Volunteer Program Director Wendy Batdorff-Miller stresses that it is a 100% volunteer program, and no one gets paid to participate. “Community ownership of the program has been and will continue to be what keeps it going.”
This donation is part of Munson Healthcare’s broader strategy to address food insecurity throughout the region. Over the past year, Munson has invested $104,000 in food access initiatives, with an additional $88,000 planned in the coming months. These efforts include support for Blessings in a Backpack programs in Benzie and Manistee Counties, contributions to the Otsego County Food Pantry, The Manna Food Project, Northmen Den, and upcoming commitments to the Crawford County Community Christian Food Pantry.
Beyond emergency food assistance, Munson partners with organizations such as the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition and Goodwill Northern Michigan to strengthen systems that improve access to healthy food. This includes support for Goodwill’s food rescue program, which helps redirect surplus food to families in need.
“As a nonprofit hospital system, we’re committed to reinvesting in programs that align with our Community Health Needs Assessment priorities,” Nowak added. “Economic security and food access are foundational to health. By supporting Blessings in a Backpack, we’re helping families meet basic needs and investing in the long-term well-being of children across our region.”
Through partnerships like these, Munson Healthcare continues to build stronger, healthier communities—one backpack at a time.