Two-year grant brings experts together to bridge food system gaps
Consistent access to food is a fundamental need not all Michiganders enjoy.
This is most notable in the state’s rural counties, which are home to the greatest number of individuals and families whose earnings exceed the federal poverty level, yet aren’t enough to cover the basics of everyday living. These are referred to as ALICE households — Asset Limited, Income Restrained, Employed.
In 2021, the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance announced receipt of a more than $300,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to address opportunities to improve the system responsible for production, processing, distribution and consumption of food in central and eastern Michigan.
The effort began by information gathering to identify the issues faced by those involved in this system to understand the gaps that need to be addressed.
“What we found was that various community organizations were addressing issues in their own areas, but no one knew much about what anyone else was doing,” said Tina Swanton, director of program development at the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance. “The opportunity was to bring these people together to learn from each other.”
Building relationships and collaboration
To bring food systems leaders together, the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance launched a nine-part food cohort — held virtually and in-person over the course of eight months — to discuss relevant topics and encourage partnerships.
Each cohort included a presentation from an industry expert followed by open discussion and a breakout session for participants to dive deeper into areas of importance and interest.
“Our ultimate goal was to bring people together to understand each other — not only the pieces of the food system, but to understand each other at an organizational and personal level to build trust and collaboration,” Swanton said.
Based on what was uncovered during the cohort’s duration, projects were to be identified to receive kick-start funding for initiatives that will create lasting impact in the area.
“It was absolutely wonderful to have the opportunity to talk to others working in the food system,” said Samantha McKenzie, president and CEO of Hidden Harvest. “Learning about what others are doing to try to close gaps in their communities was eye-opening and great for the projects that came out of the cohort.”
Ultimately, three projects were presented during the cohort’s final meeting in June. All received a portion of the funding.
“Our ultimate goal was to bring people together to understand each other — not only the pieces of the food system, but to understand each other at an organizational and personal level to build trust and collaboration.”
Tina Swanton, director of program development at the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance
Creating sustainable change
The three projects — Last Mile Delivery, The Community Cupboard and Urban Agriculture — started by outlining clear goals and impact. Each project will report back data throughout the next year to the consultant team supporting the grant. These findings will allow for the development of learnings and practices that can be replicated in other communities.
Last Mile Delivery
Spearheaded by Hidden Harvest — an organization that works to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste in the Great Lakes Bay Region — Last Mile Delivery aims to address food access to those without transportation or ability to get food from a food pantry or other source.
“We identified a gap in getting food to people who can’t get to a food distribution center or pantry,” McKenzie said. “In our area, if you don’t have a car, it’s very difficult to get around.”
Last Mile Delivery works in partnership with other area organizations dedicated to serving food-challenged individuals, including East Side Soup Kitchen, Second Historic Baptist Church, United Together Lupus Foundation and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Boxes of fresh produce, non-perishable items, meat products and more are packed and delivered monthly to homes.
The Community Cupboard
A main focus of PartnerShift Network is creating a dignified experience for those in need. This concept shaped the model for The Community Cupboard project, in partnership with Hidden Harvest. The result is a food pantry housed in the PartnerShift Network office in Saginaw.
“We landed on a ‘choice model food pantry because we don’t want to give people items they don’t know how to use or can’t use,” said Samm Jones, executive director of PartnerShift Network. “We need to meet people where they are.”
Individuals go to the office at 1 Tuscola Street to pick up food items. If requested, or through PartnerShift Network’s relationships with area employers, food also can be delivered to employees in their workplace.
A missing component of The Community Cupboard is the ability to house produce in the pantry. The solution? A partnership with Meijer that offers individuals gift cards for fresh fruits and vegetables.
“People can receive the staple items from us and buy the produce they need for their family through Meijer,” said Katelyn Day, success coach at PartnerShift Network.
Urban Agriculture
The goal of Urban Agriculture, presented by the Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen in partnership with Michigan State University-Extension, is two-part: offer affordable, healthy food to those who need it, and educate recipients about nutrition and preparation.
Urban Agriculture aims to turn unused space in Saginaw into gardens and orchards where produce can be grown. From there, through the food club’s test kitchen, sessions will be offered to create familiarity with the foods and confidence in how to cook with them.
Through MSU-Extension, 4H workshops also will educate younger generations about nutrition and the skills needed to grow produce.
Media contact: Heather Smith, [email protected]