Thumb Food Resources

Call 2-1-1 to connect with local food programs and resources—available 24/7.

Double Up Food Bucks is a free program for Michigan families who use SNAP/Bridge Card benefits. When you use your SNAP/EBT card at a participating farmers market, you can receive up to $20 in FREE Double Up Food Bucks each day to purchase Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables.

In the Thumb, Caro Farmers Market and Marlette Farmers Market accept Double Up Food Bucks, making it easier to stretch your food budget, enjoy fresh local produce, and support local farmers.

Use your SNAP benefits, get FREE Double Up Food Bucks, and bring home more fresh food!

Established in 2020 to provide resources and basic need items to families in our community discreetly. These boxes are located in various communities throughout Huron and Tuscola Counties. “Take what you need, leave what you can. Above All, Be Blessed”

Each health plan is different. Families need to contact their Medicaid health plan to inquire about the programs / incentives that are available and if they meet the eligibility requirements for that program. Anyone with a Medicaid health plan can contact the customer service number on their card and ask about these programs or refer to their Member Handbook.

Molina Food Services

McLaren Health Plan Medicaid Rewards

Blue Cross Complete of Michigan - Healthy Food Pack

Meridian - Healthy Rewards Program

Free and Reduced-Price Meals
All schools offer free breakfast and lunch for students. Check with your child’s school to see if they participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which provides free meals to all students regardless of income.

Backpack and Weekend Food Programs
Some schools partner with local food pantries or organizations to send home weekend meal kits or snacks. Ask your school office or social worker about what’s available.

Food Pantries at School

Some districts may have a small food pantry on site for district families. Ask your school office or social worker about what’s available.

Calendar of Food Distributions - Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

TORC Resource Guide - Thumb Opioid Response Consortium

Heart of Huron Family Resource Guide - Huron County Great Start Collaborative

Tuscola County Food Pantries - Tuscola County Health Department

Thumb Cares - Thumb Community Health Partnerships

*NEW Tuscola County- Community Meals

*NEW Sanilac County - Community Meals

*NEW Thumb Community Health Partnership Food Resources - Eastern Thumb

*NEW Thumb Community Health Partnership Food Resources - Western Thumb

Have you heard about the new Tuscola Community Connections app created by the Tuscola County Prevention and Recovery Coalition?! If not, you NEED to check it out! It’s FREE, easy to use, and packed with resources for EVERYONE—from the littlest members of our community to our wise and wonderful seniors!

What can you find on the app?

Food Pantry Resources

Blessing Box Locations

Housing Services & Homeless Coalition

Health Insurance Assistance

Employment Help

Veterans Affairs

Transportation

MI Legal Help

Local Job Opportunities

Thumb Area Attractions

Hospice & Caregiver Support

Senior Resources

Child Advocacy & Crisis Support

Emergency Overdose Help & Treatment Options

Recovery Meetings & Events

...and SO MUCH MORE!

Don’t miss out—download it now! And make sure to turn on Push Notifications so you never miss an update!

Here’s how to get it:

Android Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.a1139

iOS Link: https://apps.apple.com/.../tuscola-community.../id6503716900

MI Bridges – Apply for SNAP, WIC, and more at www.michigan.gov/mibridges.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children) – Nutrition support for pregnant women and families with children under 5:

• Huron County: 989-269-3301

• Tuscola County: 989-673-3199

• Sanilac County: 810-648-4098

Senior Project FRESH / Market FRESH – Coupons for older adults to buy Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.

Mom’s Meals has meal options and programs that serve a wide range of health and nutritional needs. In many cases, meals may be covered under a health plan or other type of benefit.

What does it mean to be "covered under a health plan"? A covered benefit customer is receiving meals as part of a benefit program funded by a third-party. It could be a chronic care, post-discharge or long-term care program funded by their Medicaid or Medicare Advantage health insurance provider or other government program. The recipient of the meals is not paying for meals out of their own pocket. List of FAQ's are linked here.

Planning and shopping strategies

• Plan your meals:

  Plan meals in advance based on your budget, what you have on hand, and what's on sale.

• Make a list:

  Stick to a grocery list to avoid impulse purchases and overspending.

• Shop smart:

  • Look for sales, use coupons, and buy items in season.
  • Compare unit prices to find the best value.
  • Buy certain staples like rice, beans, and flour in bulk.

• Reduce waste:

  • Repurpose leftovers by planning them into future meals, like turning leftover vegetables into soup.
  • Use "planned over's" to avoid buying extra food with a limited shelf life.
• Cooking and preparation tips

• Go meatless more often:

  Replace some meat with cheaper protein sources like dried beans, peas, lentils, tofu, and eggs.

• Stretch meats:

  Use smaller amounts of expensive meats in sauces, soups, or casseroles, or slow cook tougher cuts to tenderize them.

• Prepare food in advance:

  Spend time on weekends pre-making and freezing meals or ingredients for the week.

• Avoid pre-packaged foods:

  Grate your own cheese and chop your own vegetables instead of buying pre-cut versions.

Free or low cost health coverage for children under the age of 19 or pregnant women of any age. Call the MI Child and Healthy Kids hotline at 1-888-988-6300 or apply online at www.michigan.gov/michild

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.