Paula Porter, for the Gazette Ron Rea of the Free Fridge, located in the Office Shop in Calumet, checks out one of the four freezers full of food for those in need.

HANCOCK – The Keweenaw Co-op is responding to the suspension of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in November. Ariele Pizzo, marketing and outreach coordinator with Keweenaw Cooperative, said the co-op is focusing on food access and affordability through programs like Round UP for the Western U.P. Food Bank, Double Up Food Bucks, the upcoming Double Up Bonus Bucks, and the co-op’s monthlong Field Day sale that also gives back to North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS), an Indigenous-led organization.

“We are receiving sheets with four $10 vouchers that people can use for the Double Up Food Bucks program,” Pizzo said. “If they come here, they can spend $20 with SNAP (Bridge) card, on vegetables or fruits, they will get $20 in credit for the next time they shop. So, the next time they shop, they can use that $20 as well as another $20 for the next time.”

The vouchers are being given to SNAP recipients through the Fair Food Network, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). A limited-time voucher of $40 that will not require a matching SNAP purchase to receive. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables beginning Nov. 1 and will be distributed directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable, or as printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations.

From November 5 through December 2, the co-op will offer promotional pricing on all Field Day (brand) products to help families make the most of their grocery budgets, says a Saturday release from the co-op. Additionally, the release says, $0.05 from every Field Day item sold will be donated to NĀTIFS ((North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems), a non-profit organization that works to revitalize Indigenous food systems across North America.

Also, as of Nov. 1, all Round UP donations at checkout will go to purchase food for the Western Upper Peninsula Food Bank, and the co-op will match every donation. Every time a customer rounds up their purchase at the register, half of the funds raised will go to the Western UP Food Bank and the other half will go to another local organization.

“This program lets customers round up their purchases at the register,” Pizzo said, “with all funds donated directly to local organizations. Customers are invited to contribute any amount to support neighbors who may be experiencing food insecurity.”

Pizzo said something that was not included in the release is an upcoming fundraiser. A student group from Michigan Tech contacted the co-op, she said. They are conducting a soup fundraiser at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, on College Ave. in Houghton on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 5-8 p.m. “It’s free to attend,” Pizzo said, “but they suggest a donation of $5, and all donations will got to the Western U.P. Food Bank.” Pizzo said the co-op will donate half the amount raised to that food bank.

Help is also available to those in need in Calumet, at the Calumet Free Fridge, located in the Office Shop in downtown Calumet. There are currently four freezers with ood for four days — meat, eggs, and potatoes are currently available. Also, Jen’s Kitchen in Calumet has donated pasties. People may chose two meat items on each visit and they can visit twice a week. There are jackets and hats available too. Ron Rea, owner of the Office Shop who runs the Free Fridge said he’s never seen such a need as before. “Anyone in need is welcome to stop in,” Rea said.