The Stalwart Fair is proud to announce it has been awarded funding through the 2026 Farm & Fairs Hunger-Relief Grant Program and will be collaborating with the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
The grant program, created through a partnership between the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies and the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, supports hunger-relief initiatives led by fairs, festivals, and agricultural organizations across the state. The initiative is designed to strengthen local hunger-relief efforts and increase access to nutritious, Michigan-grown food for families and children experiencing food insecurity.
Fairs and festivals have long served as gathering places that celebrate agriculture, family traditions, and community connection. Through this program, agricultural organizations and community partners are working together to address childhood hunger while strengthening Michigan’s food bank and pantry network.
The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula extends a special thank you to Tracey Laitinen — Stalwart Fair Board Member, Soil & Structure Project Manager & Grant Specialist, and former United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Executive Director — for her leadership and dedication in helping make this project possible.
“This grant represents the power of collaboration and collective impact between agriculture, community organizations, and local partners working together to support families across the Eastern Upper Peninsula,” said Kaylynn Cairns, Executive Director of the United Way EUP. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue expanding access to nutritious food and strengthening local hunger-relief efforts in our region.”
This collective impact is made possible by the Stalwart Fair, Michigan’s Biggest Little Fair with 120 years of tradition, for writing the grant and continuing to showcase the best of the agricultural community while supporting the success of local families and communities. The support of local Farm Bureau Insurance agent Caitlin Galer strengthened the application and helped make this opportunity possible.
The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula remains committed to creating a collective impact around food insecurity, improving access to basic needs, and connecting community members with local resources and support systems. In Chippewa County, 46% of residents fall below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, meaning nearly half of local households struggle to meet basic needs. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Primary Care Needs Assessment, the county experiences an overall food insecurity rate of 15.5%, with a child-specific food insecurity rate of 20%.
The United Way EUP will work to coordinate funds, raise awareness, and expand access to food resources throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula.