SUTTONS BAY -- The food pantry mostly gives out canned goods. They last longer, and are less expensive to purchase in grocery stores.
But Carrol Nichols knows they don't make up a balanced diet, at least not on their own.
That's why his group, Leelanau Christian Neighbors, gives out $10 coupons to clients so they can purchase fresh food at Suttons Bay and Northport grocery stores during winter and spring months.
Now in its third year, the program is made possible through a $5,000 grant from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, an award that will help purchase 500 coupons.
"It's not a whole lot, but it helps," said Nichols, a member of the Christian organization's pantry management committee. "We're trying to spread it across many people."
In the past year, the Community Foundation has given more than $3.5 million to organizations like Nichols' as part of its role as a regional grantmaker. Programs in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska counties are eligible for funding.
That figure is expected to reach $3.6 million by Wednesday, when the year's final awards are made, executive Director Jeanne Snow said.
A large share of funding this year went to health and human services organizations; they received nearly a quarter of all grants.
"That's been an area that's been increasing in the last couple of years," Snow said. "People are sensitive to the needs of others."
This year has seen a particular upswing in the amount of grants awarded, compared to nearly $2.5 million in 2007, she said. Roughly $3.5 million was awarded during the last economic downturn, in 2002.
Grants this year went to Meals on Wheels, a Catholic Human Services program for homeless children and the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, among others.
The foundation also has continued its energy assistance fund for seniors, with a target of $50,000 to be distributed evenly among the five counties. So far, $34,000 has been raised.
A grant from the Community Foundation has helped the Benzie Housing Council adapt to changing needs, outreach coordinator Shauna Fite said.
The organization, based in Honor, received $6,500 this year toward a new program called Foreclosure Rebound that helps families negotiate lower mortgage rates and learn budgeting skills in an effort to keep them in their homes.
It is funded entirely on grants.
"It's becoming just more and more important to reach out to new financial sources," Fite said. "It looks like it was a great fit."
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Woolly Mammoth Caught on Camera?
Sandusky makes a statement
Did JLo 'Assault' Marc Anthony on Camera?
Christie Brinkley's Runway Slip
Toddler forced to run half-naked in snow
Halle Wants to Leave the Country
Northern Lights shine above earth
Plane makes perfect belly landing
Kris Jenner New Face of Arousal Oils
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
Trending: Zip it!
What's in Steve Jobs' FBI file?
SJP Talks About Replacing Demi Moore in 'Lovelace'
Over 200 dead dolphins wash ashore
Lady Gaga's Battle With Bulimia
Evacuation at Sea
Osama Bin Laden Zombie Movie: "Osombie" Teaser Released
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
VS Model Quits Over Religion
