Mercer County Foodbank unloads fresh farm produce for local residents.
Wellbeing doesn’t exist in silos. It’s not just physical health, emotional stability, or social connection; it’s all of these, working together. And when one is disrupted, the others quickly follow.
At the Buhl Regional Health Foundation (BRHF), this understanding shapes how we respond to the needs of Mercer County. Our work is not fixed. It shifts and adapts alongside the realities our community is facing.
At the end of 2025, our community was facing disruption and uncertainty surrounding federal budget cuts, including a complete stoppage of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for those affected by food insecurity.
When Stability Is Disrupted
For many households in Mercer County, SNAP provides a critical foundation for consistent, nutritious meals. Even short-term disruptions can create immediate strain, forcing families to stretch already limited resources and increasing reliance on community support systems.
In November 2025, when uncertainty became reality, BRHF awarded a $50,000 emergency grant to the Mercer County Food Bank (MCFB), helping to meet rising demand across Mercer County.
This funding, combined with the support of others across the region, allowed MCFB to provide an estimated 100,000 additional meals to individuals and families in need.
“When basic needs are at risk, our entire community feels the impact,” said Kimberly Porsch, BRHF Director of Grantmaking. “The Mercer County Food Bank has long been a lifeline for families across the region, and we wanted to ensure they had the resources to respond quickly and effectively during such a difficult time.”
Supporting the Full Picture of Wellbeing
Access to food is foundational to physical wellbeing, but its impact extends further.
Reliable meals reduce stress and uncertainty. They support children’s ability to learn and grow.
They allow individuals and families to maintain stability during challenging times.
In this way, addressing food insecurity also strengthens emotional and social wellbeing, reinforcing the broader health of the community.
The Mercer County Food Bank plays a central role in this work, distributing millions of pounds of food each year through a network of local partners. As demand increases, that role becomes even more critical.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Buhl Regional Health Foundation for this timely and generous support,” said Rebecca Page, Executive Director of the Mercer County Food Bank. “With thousands more of our neighbors suddenly facing food insecurity due to the SNAP stoppage, this emergency funding will help us ensure that no family in Mercer County goes hungry.”
Adapting in Real Time
The emergency grant reflected BRHF’s broader approach: remaining responsive as conditions change.
Rather than operating within fixed boundaries, BRHF continuously evaluates where support is most needed, working alongside trusted partners to respond quickly, thoughtfully, and effectively.
Responding Across the Community
The impact of the recent federal cuts stretches far beyond food access alone. During this time, BRHF also provided emergency support to other community partners, including $50K to AWARE and $12K to Joshua’s Haven, supporting the organizations who serve victims of domestic violence and our homeless population, respectively.
A Shared Responsibility
Wellbeing is built collectively. It depends on strong partnerships, community trust, and a shared commitment to meeting needs as they arise. BRHF is proud to stand alongside partners like the Mercer County Food Bank – not only at certain times, but in moments that call for flexibility, urgency, and care.
Because when the needs of the community shift, our response must shift with them.
To learn more about the Buhl Regional Health Foundation’s grant opportunities, programs, and resources, visit https://buhlregionalhealthfoundation.org/grants/.