Fighting Hunger in Rural Michigan: Thumb Blessing Boxes

August 24, 2022

In the fall of 2019, two local SNAP-Ed implementing agencies began discussions on how they could work with the local transportation authority to address food insecurity in the rural “thumb area” (a reference to the “thumb” of the hand-shaped state) of Michigan. As a result, the Tuscola Food Access Collaborative was created and leveraged existing structures and projects, including the Thumb Blessing Boxes, which began in 2020, the same year a pandemic was declared, wherein the need for food and household items, was evident.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).