How MCFAN is Fighting Hunger and Building Hope in Midland County
Behind closed doors, too many families, seniors, and students are making impossible choices between paying for food, rent, or heat. More than 13,000 people in Midland County are food insecure, including 2,680 children and 1,454 seniors, states the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
In the middle of this community exists a group trying to change that — the Midland County Food Assistance Network (MCFAN). MCFAN was initially organized in 1983 as the Emergency Food Pantry Network. It began as a response of compassion. Unemployment in Midland County rose during the winter of 1982, and food needs escalated just as quickly. Members of Memorial Presbyterian Church came together, opening a modest pantry to help their neighbors. It quickly became clear that one pantry would not be enough and the Network was born.
What started with five pantries has grown into a countywide network of eight food pantries and a range of programs that serve individuals and families throughout Midland County. MCFAN's reach extends well beyond emergency groceries, it's about nutrition, dignity, and community.
Through programs like Snack Packs, Backpack Buddies, Mobile Pantries, Medical Nutrition, and College Student Assistance, MCFAN works to have Always Food in Every Home. In 2024 alone, MCFAN provided 2,267 households and 6,731 individuals with food, resources, and compassion for those in difficult situations.
As a result of community support and partnerships, (including the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and Hidden Harvest) MCFAN operates out of its building at 503 S. Saginaw Road, which houses the office, warehouse, and SAMS Pantry. The warehouse allows the Network to receive and distribute large food donations, keeping every pantry and program stocked and ready to serve.
But what truly drives MCFAN is people — the donors, volunteers, and neighbors who share the vision that no one should go hungry in Midland County.
“I never thought I would be on the ‘needing’ end of this service,” one client shared. “But I walked into the pantry and found overwhelming generosity and kind, non-judging people willing to help. I’m so grateful to live in a community that takes care of each other. I hope one day I can return the kindness that has been shown to me.”
It is stories like these that MCFAN exists for. Every volunteer hour, every shared post, every act of kindness fuels the mission. Although MCFAN, like most nonprofits, continues to operate with limited resources and growing needs, the organization remains hopeful thanks to the unwavering support of the Midland community. Their support matters," say the MCFAN staff. "Together, we can ensure that no senior, child, or family in Midland County will ever need to wonder where their next meal will come from."
About the Midland County Food Assistance Network
To learn more about MCFAN and how you can get engaged, visit midlandcountyfan.org, email manager@midlandcountyefpn.org, or call 989-486-9393. You may also reach out to them on social media with inquiries, comments, or suggestions.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more nourished Midland County. One meal, one neighbor, and one act of kindness at a time.