A friendly food drive competition is bringing churches and communities together across the Upper Peninsula this November. It all began when Pastor Gordon Grigg III who serves both First UMC in Menominee and Stephenson United Methodist Church put out a challenge to see which church could collect the most nonperishable food items for their local food pantry. The challenge was open to any congregation willing to step up and serve their community, and it didn’t take long for Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming to answer the call.
Now, all three churches are racing to fill their collection bins with canned goods, soups, pasta, cereal, and other pantry staples. Each congregation is donating to its own local food pantry, ensuring that families in their own communities will benefit directly. The competition runs through November, with the church collecting the most items per member earning bragging rights. But for everyone involved, the real victory will be fuller shelves and fewer empty stomachs across the U.P.
This challenge comes at a crucial time, as local food pantries face increasing demand and fewer resources due to reduced assistance programs. The churches hope their playful rivalry inspires others to join in and help make sure no one in their towns goes hungry this holiday season. As food pantries across the Upper Peninsula are feeling the strain this fall. With the cost of groceries rising and some assistance programs reduced, more families are turning to local pantries just to get by. For many, these food drives make the difference between a bare cupboard and a full meal.
Residents are encouraged to drop off nonperishable food items at any of the participating churches during office hours or Sunday worship. As donations pour in, the friendly competition continues to highlight the strength of faith, community, and compassion across the Upper Peninsula. Every can counts, and every church is collecting for its own local pantry, meaning no matter who “wins,” families in all three communities will have a little more hope heading into the holidays. Because in the end, it’s not about who has the biggest pile of green beans, it’s about neighbors helping neighbors, and proving that a little friendly competition can do a whole lot of good.