United Way and LiUNA volunteers weather the cold to feed hungry families in Bay and Arenac counties

Editor's Note: This article is part of an ongoing #UnitedForGood series highlighting agencies and programs the United Way of Bay County supports.

Food insecurity is a problem for many in the area.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 1.3 million residents, including over 300,000 children, experience food insecurity.

In Bay County, nearly half of us face challenges meeting our most basic needs. Of Bay County residents, 29% live in poverty and an additional 16% are part of the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) — working individuals who still struggle to afford essentials.

Misty BarronLong lines outside the distribution point – the Boys & Girls Clubs of Pinconning – highlighted the growing need for community support.Earlier this month LiUNA 1098 and United Way of Bay County volunteers joined forces at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Pinconning, braving cold temperatures and gusty winds to address the problem. Volunteers spent hours delivering food supplies to area residents.

Residents began to arrive long before the 8 a.m. scheduled distribution on Sat., March 8. The line-up and stretched down North Street onto M-13.

For Kelly Kuehnemund, Assistant Unit Director of the Pinconning Boys & Girls Clubs, the large turnout was a reminder of just how many people in the area are struggling.

“They started lining up before 7 this morning,” she says. “It really shows how many need help.”

Misty Barron​​​​​​​Volunteers handed out canned goods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other essential items, working through the day to keep up with demand.The drive was open to anyone and did not require registration, making it easily accessible for families from Pinconning and surrounding communities.

“Anybody is welcome,” says Kuehnemund. “We’ll go until the food runs out.”

Misty BarronFood pantries often close or scale back services after December, leaving people to depend on food drives and other alternatives.Volunteers handed out canned goods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other essential items, working through the day to keep up with demand.

According to Boys & Girls Clubs Director of Communications Brandon Kathman, this time of year presents unique challenges. Many food pantries either close or scale back services after December, leaving residents to depend on food drives and other alternatives.

Misty BarronLiUNA 1098 has held several food distributions at its local hall in Saginaw, but this marks the first event at a satellite location in northern Bay County.Kathman also pointed out that this drive reached beyond Pinconning and Bay County.

“We’ve partnered with Arenac Transit Authority to help schools up in that area,” he says. “About a third of our kids are from Arenac County. So, we’ll see people from Au Gres, Standish, Sterling.”

Misty BarronIf you need food assistance or other support, dial 2-1-1. It’s a free and confidential service that connects you with resources such as food pantries, meal programs, and even help with bills.LiUNA has held several food distributions at its local hall in Saginaw, but this marks the first event at a satellite location in northern Bay County. Many of its members recognized the need to extend efforts to better support families in rural areas.

Misty BarronThe recent food drive drew in people from the area near Pinconning, including both Bay and Arenac counties.​​​​​​​The Pinconning drive not only offered much-needed relief, it also highlighted broader issues affecting Michiganders.

While government programs – such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) –  can help, challenges still exist.

Misty Barron​​​​​​​Food insecurity is a problem for nearly 1.3 million Michigan residents. In Bay County, nearly half of us face challenges meeting our most basic needs.Some households lack reliable transportation to reach grocery stores or food distribution events, while others find SNAP benefits don't provide enough to cover food for the entire month.

If you need food assistance or other support, dial 2-1-1. It’s a free and confidential service that connects you with resources such as food pantries, meal programs, and even help with bills. You can speak directly with a specialist or check online for more details.