BCBSM UDIM Grant

**UDIM Grant Check-In Visit – 2/23/2026 @ 10 a.m** What we’ll do (45–60 minutes): 1. Walk through your pantry layout and client flow 2. Discuss how the refrigerator is working out for your pantry 3. Discuss resources that may fit your needs (e.g., refrigeration, signage, client materials) **Feedback**

**Grant Application Narrative for The Fledge Foundation** Food Pantry Name: The Fledge Food Pantry Food Pantry Address: 1300 Eureka Street Lansing, MI 48912 Ingham County Phone: 517-930-2907 Email: fledgefoundation@gmail.com Website: https://thefledge.com Social Media: @thefledgefoundation (Instagram and Facebook) Are hours posted online? Yes – https://thefledge.com/food-pantry We are open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM with 24-hour access through our unlocked lobby fridge and open-access dry goods shelf. Our schedule is also posted in the window and shared via social media. Operates under umbrella of a larger organization? Yes – The Fledge Foundation Same address as above. Part of the 211 Referral Network? Yes Applicant Contact Name: Shannon Norris Title: Executive Director Email: fledgefoundation@gmail.com Phone: 517-930-2907 (Mobile) Yes, Shannon is the primary contact for all aspects of the grant. Pantry Operations & Demographics Open Days per Week: 7 Weekly Visitors: >300 Monthly Visitors: >300 Age Groups Served: ✓ Children (0–18) ✓ Young Adults (19–26) ✓ Adults (27–65) ✓ Seniors (65+) Populations Served: ✓ Veterans ✓ Older adults ✓ Transient/homeless individuals ✓ People with disabilities ✓ Urban community residents ✓ Other: Low-income individuals and BIPOC refugee families Facility Type: Community Center Food Sourcing: ✓ Greater Lansing Food Bank ✓ Food rescue from grocery stores ✓ USDA ✓ Monetary donations ✓ Community-based organizations ✓ Community food donations 2024 Food Budget: $8,500 Food Distribution Methods: ✓ Client choice ✓ Pre-packed boxes ✓ Drive-thru ✓ Home delivery ✓ Mobile pantry Refrigeration & Fresh Food Access Current Refrigeration Setup: We currently have one small household-grade refrigerator and a single upright freezer. These are insufficient to meet our growing demand for perishable items, particularly dairy and produce, and lack the capacity to support consistent safe storage. Do you distribute dairy/produce? ✓ Fresh Dairy ✓ Fresh Fruit ✓ Fresh Vegetables

Current Dairy Products Offered: ✓ Milk ✓ Yogurt ✓ Cheese ✓ Cottage Cheese Estimated Distribution Per Week: Milk: 20 gallons Yogurt: 15 lbs Cheese: 10 lbs Cottage Cheese: 8 lbs Estimated Produce Distribution Per Week: Fresh produce: 200–250 lbs Procurement Plan (if not currently offering): N/A – we are already distributing fresh dairy and produce. **Grant Narrative Responses** **Why are you applying for this grant?** We are applying to this grant to improve our cold storage infrastructure and increase our capacity to safely store and distribute perishable dairy and produce items. Demand has grown significantly, particularly among families with children and unhoused individuals who rely on our 24/7 pantry access. A commercial-grade refrigerator will allow us to stock more nutrient-rich foods and reduce spoilage, ultimately improving the health of our community. **Sustainability Plan After $250 Dairy Funding:** We will continue to allocate funds from community donations and in-kind partnerships to purchase dairy products. Additionally, we will seek ongoing support from local businesses and grocery stores that already contribute food items, and we will include dairy purchases in our future pantry fundraising appeals.

**How does the equipment support dairy distribution?** A commercial-grade refrigerator will allow us to significantly increase the quantity and variety of dairy products we offer. With better temperature control and expanded capacity, we will be able to accept larger donations of milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese without the risk of spoilage. This is especially important for serving families with children and seniors who need regular access to calcium-rich foods. Equipment & Delivery Requested Unit: ✓ Double Door Glass Unit (54.4" W x 31.5" D x 81.2" H) Shipping Address Same as Pantry? ✓ Yes Loading Dock Available? ✗ No Entry Door Dimensions: Height: 84 inches Width: 36 inches Delivery Requirement Acknowledged? ✓ Yes Affirmations Agree to stock cooler primarily with milk and other dairy: ✓ Yes Agree to sign letter of agreement: ✓ Yes Agree to provide 6-month and 1-year evaluations: ✓ Yes Agree to share photos of the stocked fridge: ✓ Yes Agree to submit a success story: ✓ Yes **Additional Information:** The Fledge Food Pantry serves a highly diverse population in Lansing’s Urbandale neighborhood, including a significant number of BIPOC refugees, single parents, and unhoused individuals. We maintain zero-barrier access to food with dignity and choice. This refrigeration unit will help us continue to meet the nutritional needs of our community while modeling sustainable food justice practices.