Local program to receive $2,500 grant to assist children in Ionia & Montcalm Counties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2026
CONTACT:
Brian Mills 517.881.9618
Local program to receive $2,500 grant to assist children in Ionia & Montcalm Counties
Belding, Mich. – IM Kids 3rd Meal, a local non-profit serving ready-to-eat meals for children in Ionia and Montcalm (IM) Counties, will receive a $2,500 grant from the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) to expand meal delivery throughout the two-county area.
The Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) is making $2,500 available through its Tackling Health Care Disparities grant program. This program encourages community-based organizations to collaborate and implement local initiatives to improve health outcomes and advance health equity.
“Food insecurity affects a greater percentage of children in Ionia and Montcalm Counties than the state average. By expanding access to nutritious meals outside school hours, the IM Kids’ 3rd Meal program helps reduce the health impacts of child hunger, including preventable hospitalizations and behavioral health concerns. We are thrilled with the support from our health plan partners, who recognize and appreciate the local community work being done here in Ionia and Montcalm counties through this valuable program,” said Deborah Wagner, Executive Director of with IM Kids 3rd Meal program.
“The Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) first learned about this valuable community program from locally elected state leaders,” stated Dominick Pallone, MAHP’s executive director. “State Representatives Gina Johnsen from Ionia County and Pat Outman from Montcalm have shared their support and appreciation for the work being done in their communities and the success of the program. Our nine health plan members are pleased to support the continued selfless work this community-based organization is taking to improve health outcomes.” I am honored to connect with an association from Lansing that is looking to advance the valuable services IM Kids
3rd Meal is taking to address positive health outcomes in our communities,” said State Representative Gina Johnsen.
“Anytime I can draw the attention of statewide associations looking to highlight and support local community-based initiatives that are improving the health of the constituents I represent, everyone wins,” stated State Representative Pat Outman.
Representative Gina Johnsen, a representative from Rep. Outman’s office, and representatives from MAHP will present their $2,500 grant contribution to IM Kids 3rd Meal (409 S. Bridge Street, Belding, MI 48809) on Friday, May 8thth, at 10:00 a.m.
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