There are many factors that shape food access in Saginaw County, and understanding them helps us see the challenges many residents face. In some neighborhoods, healthy and affordable food is easy to find, while in others, grocery stores and fresh options are limited. Transportation, income, and availability of nutritious foods all play a role in how people get the meals they need. This page explains what food access looks like across the county and why improving it is an important part of building a healthier community for everyone.
The Fight Against Food Insecurity in Saginaw County
Kelsey Phelps
Food insecurities and in-access are becoming an increasing concern within the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,1
“13.5% (18.0 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2023.” (USDA)
This means that over 1 in 10 households are unsure of their next meal, facing the consequences of hunger and illness. For residents of Saginaw County, this reality affects many of them every day. According to Public Policy Associates’ Food Access Study,2
“In Saginaw, over 34% of the residents live below the poverty line, and many residents experience hunger.”
As food insecurity continues to rise, it is important to understand the meaning of food insecurities, risks, and resources for supporting those in need.
What Defines Food Access?
According to Feeding America, a non-profit organization that seeks to reduce hunger in the US, food insecurity is a term that was defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. It occurs when individuals do not have enough food to eat or provide for their family, leading to hunger, starvation, chronic conditions, and many other risks.3 Numerous resources exist to support those in need of food, such as food banks and food pantries. However, many communities lack enough resources to support everyone in need.
Food insecurity has more causes than often mentioned. Some causes are:
- Income
- Economic struggles
- Employment
- Race and/or ethnicity
- Disabilities4
Saginaw County faces many of these problems listed, with system racism and bias causing those in need to face higher levels of poverty, economic hardships, lack of employment, and more.2 While some food pantries exist in the urban areas of Saginaw County, many individuals do not have accessible transportation or the means to acquire the food. According to the BWELL Saginaw 2023-2026 Community Health Assessment Report, study participants reported living far away from grocery stores or food pantries, especially on the ‘East Side’ of Saginaw.5 Below are quotes from Saginaw County residents, as listed in the BWELL Saginaw 2023-2026 Community Health Assessment Report:5
“There are no grocery stores in the city, it takes 2 hours to get any healthy foods.”
“We need less fast-food restaurants.”
“We need more grocery stores.”
“There is a food desert on the East Side.”
“Food giveaways are only good for people who have cars to get to and from the location and to transport food.”
However, many local non-profit organizations are working to support the need for more food resources.
How Saginaw County is Making Change:
The Saginaw Community Food Club & Kitchen
With the growing number of families facing food insecurities, many local non-profit organizations are working to make a difference in the community. The Saginaw Community Food Club & Kitchen is currently building a new food pantry at the heart of Saginaw. The Saginaw Community Food Club is designed to feel like a normal grocery store, allowing members to shop for their foods on a point system. Healthy foods like fruits and vegetables cost a lower amount of points, where processed, unhealthy foods cost a higher amount of points. This strategy makes it more affordable to make healthy choices, incentivizing Saginaw families to take care of their health. (https://saginawfoodclub.org/) The image below represents the architectural plans for the new Saginaw Community Food Club, providing low-cost resources to those in need.
The Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Program
Another program that is working to support food access and healthy choices is the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program, which is ran by Josh Miller. The program focuses on supporting Saginaw area schools in nutrition education and food access for school-aged children. The program is funded by SNAP-Ed, helping approximately 5,800 students in 29 different schools access nutrition education and food access resources.6 With programs like the Saginaw Community Food Club and the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program, Saginaw County residents will have better access to food and nutritious options.
Wrapping it Up:
While food insecurity is still a large concern in Saginaw County, many people are stepping in to help those in need. Millard Fuller stated, “For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.”7 Food insecurity efforts are not a want, but a need that everyone supports those struggling with food insecurities to create a brighter future.
If you or someone you know needs urgent food assistance, dial 2-1-1 to connect with United Way for local food resources. For more information about food resources in Saginaw County, visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan’s website here.
References:
- Rabbitt, M. P., Hales, L. J., & Reed-Jones, M. (2025, January 8). Food Security in the U.S. – Key Statistics & Graphics. Economic Research Service- U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/key-statistics-graphics
- Colby, A., Athreya, B., McCrohan, N., Southard, S. (2024). Saginaw Food Access Study (Final Report). Public Policy Associates. https://publicpolicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SaginawFoodAccessFinalReport_022124_Shared_v2.pdf
- Slupski, A. (2021, September 16). How we measure hunger in America. Feeding America. https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/how-we-measure-hunger-america
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Food Insecurity. Healthy People 2030. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/food-insecurity
- Saginaw County Health Department (2023). BWELL Saginaw 2023-2026 Community Health Assessment Report. https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/media/zgsdvm32/2023-2026-saginaw-co-cha-report.pdf
- Tran, M. (2025, June 10). Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds for Saginaw Area Kids and Families. Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. https://groundworkcenter.org/healthy-bodies-healthy-minds-for-saginaw-area-kids-and-families/
- Well-Known Quotes by Millard Fuller. The Fuller Center for Housing. (2020, January 2). https://fullercenter.org/quotes/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFor%20a%20community%20to%20be,a%20gift%20and%20a%20responsibility.
Page updated 11/19/2025