Press Release

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Calhoun County Senior Services, in partnership with Calhoun County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has launched a new interactive Food Resources Map designed to make it easier for residents to find food assistance resources throughout Calhoun County. The online map brings information about local food resources together in one easy-to-use location, helping residents, caregivers, service providers and community organizations identify available assistance in communities across the county. The map is fully functional on mobile devices, allowing residents to access resource information from a phone or tablet, although viewing the map in a web browser on a computer provides the optimal experience. The project is part of Senior Services’ ongoing work through the Thome Aging Well Innovation Grant, which Calhoun County received in 2024 to address food insecurity among older adults. The grant supports efforts to strengthen collaboration and coordination among food providers, improve access to food for older adults and better understand where resources and unmet needs exist throughout Calhoun County. “Knowing where to turn for help is an important part of making sure people can actually access the resources available to them,” said Rod Auton, Manager of Calhoun County Senior Services. “This map gives residents and the organizations serving them a clearer picture of the food resources available throughout Calhoun County. It is also an important tool in our larger effort to identify gaps, strengthen partnerships and make food assistance easier to navigate.” The Food Resources Map was developed in collaboration with Calhoun County GIS, using mapping technology to organize resource information geographically and provide a convenient way for users to explore options available throughout the county. The map also supports a larger goal of the Thome grant initiative: improving communication and coordination among organizations working to address food insecurity. By developing a clearer picture of the county’s food assistance network, Senior Services and its community partners can better identify areas where additional resources, outreach or collaboration may be needed. The Thome Aging Well Innovation Grant is part of Enterprise Community Partners’ Aging Well program, funded by the Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America Trustee. Calhoun County Senior Services was selected as one of eight Michigan organizations in the 2024 grant cohort. The initiative focuses on helping older adults, particularly those living in affordable housing communities, age safely and securely in their communities. Residents, caregivers and community organizations are encouraged to explore the new Calhoun County Food Resources Map at:https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/28d5276d5ebb4a80a91cf51120aa69d6/page/Page Senior Services will continue working with community partners to keep the map as accurate and useful as possible. If a resource listed on the map has changed or is no longer available, if information appears to be incorrect, or if residents have questions about food resources in Calhoun County, please contact: Chelsi SheererCalhoun County Senior Services(269) 781-0846Csheerer@calhouncountymi.gov The Food Resources Map is one component of Calhoun County Senior Services’ broader work through the Thome grant to improve food access for older adults. Additional efforts include strengthening partnerships with local food providers and affordable housing communities, improving coordination of food resources, and exploring solutions for older adults who experience both food insecurity and transportation barriers.