The Chippewa County Fair has been awarded funding through the 2026 Farm & Fairs Hunger-Relief Grant Program, with the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula partnering to help facilitate community outreach, awareness efforts, and the use of grant funds throughout the project.
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 Michigan. The initiative focuses on strengthening local hunger-relief efforts and increasing access to nutritious, Michigan-grown food for families and children experiencing food insecurity.
The Chippewa County Fair and the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula are currently collaborating to determine how grant funding and educational outreach will be incorporated during fair activities and events. Planned efforts include raising awareness around ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and food insecurity through educational posters and displays, providing access to recipes and food resource information, and coordinating food collection opportunities during fair events.
“This partnership creates an opportunity to connect agriculture, education, and community support in a meaningful way,” said Kaylynn Cairns, Executive Director of the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. “The fair brings together families from across our region, making it a valuable place to raise awareness about food insecurity and connect residents with resources and support.”
The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula extends special thanks to Tracey Laitinen — Soil & Structure Project Manager & Grant Specialist and former United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Executive Director — for her assistance and leadership in helping make this opportunity possible.
In Chippewa County, 46% of residents fall below the ALICE threshold, meaning nearly half of local households struggle to consistently meet basic needs. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Primary Care Needs Assessment, the county experiences a 18% overall food insecurity rate and a child-specific food insecurity rate of 20%.
The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula remains committed to building collective impact around food insecurity, improving access to basic needs, and supporting partnerships that strengthen the Eastern Upper Peninsula community.