20,800 pounds distributed Monday, Nov. 9, in partnership with United Way of Bay County, Hidden Harvest

BAY CITY, MICHIGAN – It is always wonderful when you can “Live United” while “Making Life Sweeter” at the same time. Throw in some near-perfect early November weather and you’ve got yourself a pretty great day!

Michigan Sugar Company, in partnership with United Way of Bay County, held its annual United Way Sugar Distribution Day on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, at the company’s factory in Bay City. This year, Michigan Sugar Company donated 20,800 pounds of white granulated Pioneer Sugar to 65 food pantries from Arenac, Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties.

Each pantry left with 320 pounds of sugar.

“As our cooperative’s grower-owners prepare to wrap up another harvest of sugarbeets, we are very pleased to once again be distributing sugar to our local food pantries with the knowledge that our product will continue on into the hands of those who need it most,” said Rob Clark, Director of Communications and Community Relations for Michigan Sugar Company. “Our employees and our grower-owners are committed to giving back to our communities and this distribution is just one way to do that.”

Clark said Michigan Sugar Company annually donates more than 100,000 pounds of sugar to charitable causes throughout Michigan. Monday’s distribution comes after the company, earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, donated more than 46,000 pounds of sugar to Hidden Harvest, a food rescue and redistribution agency serving the Great Lakes Bay Region.

“We understand the need in our communities is great, especially now during the pandemic,” said Clark. “We are grateful that we are able to help by donating a product we know is needed and wanted, but not always at the top of the shopping list during difficult times.”

Hidden Harvest was also involved in this year’s United Way Sugar Distribution Day, as the agency picked up sugar for 30 of the recipient food pantries.

“The United Way of Bay County is proud and grateful to partner with Michigan Sugar in the distribution of sugar to 65 food pantries,” said Marybeth Laisure, Executive Director and CEO for the United Way of Bay County. “With the holidays fast approaching, many families have baking traditions that have been passed down for generations. With the donation of this sweet product, Michigan Sugar assures that low-income families have the opportunity to bake or cook up some of their own family favorites.”

Samantha McKenzie, President and CEO of Hidden Harvest, echoed that statement.

“Michigan Sugar’s annual distribution means so much to the Hidden Harvest food pantries in the Great Lakes Bay Region: these donations mean a teaspoon of local sweetness in someone’s coffee as they register for food assistance and a kitchen staple that local families visiting a food pantry will truly appreciate,” she said. “Thank you Michigan Sugar for making this possible, we appreciate the partnership in putting good food to good use.”

To see photos from this year’s Sugar Distribution, check out Michigan Sugar Company’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/michigansugar/.