Recently, MAPS was awarded a $2,000 grant to fight food insecurity by the Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Agent Charitable Fund. Grant funds will support the JJ Packs program and provide for the return of fresh fruit and bread for the weekend packages.

Any MAPS student can receive JJ Packs — families should contact their school counselor for more information.

MAPS is one of 14 organizations throughout the state to receive a Feeding the Future Grant from the ACF in November. Organizations are nominated by a local Farm Bureau Insurance agent and selected by a committee of ACF donors based on the need of the organization, population being served and overall goal of the program.

A total of $146,500 was awarded through the grant program last year.

Here is a sample of the kinds of foods often used in JJ Packs packages. (Journal file photo)

Farm Bureau agent Scott Huber and Heather Robison nominated MAPS for the grant and are “passionate about raising awareness surrounding local food insecurity.”

“I choose to help hungry kids in Michigan and bridge the gap where food security may not be promised, so no child goes home hungry,” Huber said in a press release.

Presentation of the grant will take place at Marquette Alternative High School at 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

ACF’s mission is to end hunger in Michigan and is a donor-designated fund administered through the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture.

The Michigan Foundation for Agriculture, a 501(c)(3) goverened by the Michigan Farm Bureau’s board of directors, contributes to the future of Michigan agriculture through leadership and educational programming, according to the press release.

“Through grant programs like Feeding the Future, Farm Bureau agents, clients and partners provide food and educational programs to Michigan residents struggling with hunger and aid the more than 3,000 hunger-relief agencies throughout the state,” the press release said.

For more information, contact Persis Sopariwala at psopari@michfb.com or 517-323-6628.