Grants are helping feed Bay County families during the pandemic

Call 211 of Northeast Michigan to find resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 211 agency refers families to food pantries and other human service agencies throughout the year, but it is the key to coordinating relief efforts now.

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Ashley Brown – Emergency food boxes are available through the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA.
Ashley Brown – The Dow Bay Area Family Y is closed, but offering the food boxes in its parking lot.

The COVID-19 forced the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA to close its doors in order to protect the community and its staff. But the staff at the Y is still reaching out to help families in need.

Children in the program receive a wholesome, nourishing breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Children in the program receive a wholesome, nourishing breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Zack Booth from the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA carries one of the food boxes available as part of the program.
Zack Booth from the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA carries one of the food boxes available as part of the program.

Through a grant provided by the Bay Area Community Foundation, the Dow Family Y has partnered with Hidden Harvest, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, and 211 of Northeast Michigan to provide Emergency Food Boxes for Bay County families.

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to stay home.
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to stay home.

To qualify, call (888) 636-4211 for a referral to the program. The number connects you to 211 of Northeast Michigan, which can provide you with information about where you can find help with food and other services. The Y also is delivering Emergency Food boxes to families who have limited mobility. Click here for information about how to qualify for the delivery service.

This week, the food was distributed 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
This week, the food was distributed 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

For general information on COVID-19, visit the Bay County Health Department website.

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