Consumers Energy Foundation Donates $100,000 to East Side Soup Kitchen for 2025 People Awards

Consumers Energy Foundation Awards $100,000 to East Side Soup Kitchen

The Consumers Energy Foundation has recognized the East Side Soup Kitchen (ESSK) as one of the recipients of its prestigious 2025 People Awards. This accolade comes with a significant grant of $100,000 aimed at facilitating infrastructure improvements for this Saginaw-based nonprofit organization.

Brandon Hofmeister, the president of the Consumers Energy Foundation, expressed the foundation's commitment to community support, stating, "The Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to support the infrastructure improvements at the East Side Soup Kitchen. This contribution will enable the organization to better serve working families who rely on quick, dignified access to nutritious meals."

The grant awarded to ESSK will be utilized to enhance the organization’s cooking, dining, storage, and serving capacities. This upgrade is critical as it will allow the soup kitchen to expand its services, addressing the increasing food insecurity issues faced by many families in the Saginaw area.

Diane Keenan, the executive director of the East Side Soup Kitchen, highlighted the importance of this funding in fulfilling their mission: "Our collaboration with the Consumers Energy Foundation will further support our mission to provide meals and hope in the heart of Saginaw. This grant will allow us to expand our facility so that we can reach even more area families in need of a healthy meal. We appreciate the investment in our mission from the Consumers Energy Foundation."

This generous award is part of the foundation’s broader initiative for 2025, which will see a total allocation of $1.5 million across multiple nonprofit organizations. The People Awards represent the second of three signature grant categories this year, following the Planet Awards which were presented in April, with the final Prosperity Awards set to be awarded this fall. These community grants are designed to empower nonprofits working diligently toward economic development and enhancing quality of life across Michigan.

The Consumers Energy Foundation acts as the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, the largest energy provider in Michigan. Their mission is centered around strengthening Michigan communities by investing in vital areas such as people, the environment, and shared prosperity. In 2024 alone, the foundation, in collaboration with CMS Energy, Consumers Energy, and their dedicated employees and retirees, contributed over $15 million to support various nonprofits and community initiatives throughout Michigan.

For more details on the consumers' energy impact and their ongoing community support programs, individuals can visit their official website.

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This significant grant reflects the continued dedication of the Consumers Energy Foundation to uplift communities in need and strengthen support systems that allow individuals to thrive. Its partnership with organizations like East Side Soup Kitchen exemplifies their commitment to fostering a caring and resilient community.