2025 Impact100 TC $116,000 Grant Recipient.
Goodwill Northern Michigan’s Food Rescue program is transforming food access across the region. Since 2008, the program has recovered and redistributed 2.2 million pounds of food annually—enough for 6,500 meals each day—to 78 pantries, meal sites, and baby pantries across five counties. In 2014, only 13% of partners could reliably offer fresh produce. Today, 80% can. With Impact100 Traverse City’s support, we can achieve 100% by 2027.
The barrier is cold storage. Throughout the year, and in particular during harvest season, thousands of pounds of produce are lost due to limited capacity, restricting access for the 20% of pantries that cannot consistently provide fresh food. A new walk-in cooler at our Traverse City warehouse will more than double storage, extend shelf life, reduce waste, and ensure healthy food reaches families.
The initiative also strengthens our Healthy Harvest program, which rescues surplus produce from area farms. In 2024, 320,000 pounds were distributed, but over 100,000 pounds were left uncollected due to storage constraints. This lack of capacity continues to affect Food Rescue in 2025. Tomorrow, Food Rescue will pick up 2,400 pounds of peaches in Hart, Michigan, but they will have to pass up the opportunity to pick up another 7,200 pounds given the lack of cold storage. Expanded capacity will capture more of this food, feeding families instead of going to waste.
The initiative is shovel-ready and sustainable. With minimal operating costs, no new staffing needs, and Goodwill’s overhead covered through stores and ecommerce, 100% of an Impact100 Traverse City grant will fund infrastructure that delivers lasting impact. Together, we can ensure every pantry opens its doors with fresh, healthy food—nourishing families and strengthening communities. Read more
Check Out: Goodwill Northern MI Food Rescue Wishlist & Website
Recent Comments