Stories from the Midland Area Community Foundation

Bridge Food Center receives $10,800 gift from The Big Give

October 2nd, 2019

The Big Give recently donated $10,800 to The Bridge Food Center, a nonprofit grocery started in December 2016 intended to help families that need some assistance to make grocery shopping more affordable.

The Big Give is a group of over 100 men who meet three times per year, donating $100 each time. The Midland Area Community Foundation holds the fund and provides support to the giving circle. The group hears from several nonprofits in need during each meeting, then holds a vote on where the collective gift should be designated.

“The Bridge Food Center is incredibly grateful for the support from The Big Give,” said Marsha Stamas, one of the volunteer supervisors for the food center. “We’re utilizing these funds to help us insulate a pole barn on the Messiah Church property, which will greatly help with our food storage needs.”

The Bridge Food Center is run by the community and has no paid staff, instead utilizing volunteers to run all aspects of the grocery.

“This is a project that means a lot to families who are struggling to make ends meet, slashing their grocery store costs,” said John Wilson, chair of The Big Give. “We’re proud to support this project and look forward to seeing The Bridge Food Center thrive.”

The Bridge Food Center, located at 1539 Washington St. in Midland, is available to anyone earning less than $56,000 in annual income. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm – 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Those interested can visit thebridgemidland.com for more information about the store as well as ways to help.

The Big Give continues to seek new members to make an impact for nonprofits in need. Since its inception, the giving circle has contributed $217,750 to assist 19 different nonprofit agencies impacting Midland County. For details on how to become a member, click here.