Senior Millage Funds and United Response Fund Mobilized to Address Rising Food Insecurity, But More Support Is Still Needed
Muskegon County, MI – With the federal shutdown officially over and SNAP benefits restored, many assume the food insecurity crisis has resolved. Local organizations say the reality is far more complicated. The surge in need during the shutdown wiped out shelves, drained emergency reserves, and left families struggling to recover from weeks of financial strain. While new dollars have been released to support seniors, leaders across the community stress that families of all ages remain in urgent need of help.
To respond quickly and effectively, United Way of the Lakeshore and its county and nonprofit partners have launched two rolling, rapid-response mini-grant funds through help.feedmuskegon.org. One fund supports seniors through the Muskegon County Senior Millage, and the other supports nonprofits providing food to families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
These funds allow nonprofits, churches, schools, and community partners to request help without waiting for long grant cycles. The overwhelming response shows how deep the need remains. Within the first four hours of launching the Lakeshore Hunger Relief Grants, agencies submitted requests totaling more than three times the amount of funding currently available.
A Community Stepping Up, But Still Facing Shortfall
Lisa Tyler, President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore, emphasized that the senior funding is a meaningful step, yet the overall need continues to exceed available resources.
“Our community always steps up when people are hurting, and this moment is no different. The Senior Millage dollars will make a real impact for older adults, but we still do not have enough funding to meet the growing need facing families,” said Tyler. “We are asking those who are able to consider going above and beyond by supporting the United Response Fund for emergency relief while continuing to make their regular contributions to the organizations they love. Every dollar helps us keep people fed.”
A Boost for Seniors Through County Millage Funding
In response to the heightened need among older adults, Muskegon County allocated $75,000 in Senior Millage funding for hunger relief for residents age 60 and older. These dollars will be distributed directly to agencies through a simple and fast-turnaround application.
“We are grateful to the Senior Millage Advisory Committee and Muskegon County leadership for recognizing how urgently our older adults need assistance right now,” Tyler said. “These funds ensure seniors will not be left behind in the aftermath of the shutdown. This is community working exactly the way it should.”
Matching Support to Strengthen Local Response
The Community Foundation for Muskegon County has also stepped in to help increase the community’s collective impact. The Community Foundation will match up to $10,000 in donations made to the United Response Fund.
Janelle Mair, Vice President of Community Investment, highlighted the power of shared commitment. “The need is real, and it is immediate. That is why the Community Foundation has committed to match up to ten thousand dollars in donations made to the United Response Fund,” Mair said.
Community Foundation President/CEO, Todd Jacobs, added, “When we invest together, we strengthen the entire safety net. Your gift has double the impact.”
Collaboration at the Center of the Response
AgeWell Services CEO Kris VanderStelt emphasized the level of collaboration unfolding across Muskegon County.
“This response is genuinely collaborative. Nonprofits, government agencies, funders, and volunteers are all pulling in the same direction,” VanderStelt said. “We have built a system where organizations can receive support quickly, and where residents can easily find food, volunteer opportunities, or donate. help.feedmuskegon.org has become an essential lifeline.”
Where the Community Goes From Here
United Way reports that food distribution programs are still operating above capacity. Many families depleted savings, relied on credit, or fell behind on bills during the shutdown. Even with federal benefits restored, recovery will take time, and local food programs remain on the front lines.
Both mini-grant funds are open now. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis to ensure dollars move to agencies as rapidly as possible.
Community members can help right now by:
Donating to the United Response Fund
Volunteering with a local food pantry or meal program
Sharing information about available resources
All opportunities, applications, and resource maps are available at help.feedmuskegon.org.