Food First

June 26, 2022 - Monologue

Here at Food First MI – we think food is pretty important.

The less you have of it the more important it becomes.

Today on the show you will hear 3 Michigan based federal leaders who share our conviction about the importance of food. Not only do they believe believe food is important and like us they believe helping people who don’t have enough is even more important.

US Representative Elissa Slotkin who has served our country in war and peace joins the senior Senator from Michigan and chairwoman of one of the most important Senate committees that deals with food, senator Debbie Stabenow and finally, a long time support, believer and trusted friend of the food bank network, US Representative Debbie Dingell joins the show for the first time.

Hear these leaders talk about food, food banks and the work we do together on this edition of Food First MI.

June 12, 2022 - Food for Thought

June 12, 2022 - Monologue

On Food First Michigan we change the conversation. When Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president, and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, started the show, they wanted to help people understand how food insecurity touches all aspects of our lives. Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) and our network of food banks continue to work toward a positive solution. Creating food security is everyone’s responsibility. Food is a powerful tool on the war on poverty. It liberates, empowers, and stabilizes our communities – use food as a powerful force for GOOD! The Food Bank Council of Michigan and our 7 member Feeding America food banks are committed to fixing the problem, not the blame.

Tune in this Sunday on WJR Radio to hear from Dr. Phil, Gerry, and Stephanie Johnson, partner at KJL. Stephanie helps us unpack two new items in Michigan’s current budget proposal that has the potential to have tremendous impact on food security statewide. This is one of the first times in history that a Governor has proposed a line-item that directly impacts the work at the FBCM to create a food secure state. The legislature’s goal is to create fundamental change while making significant progress with a one-time appropriation and they can do just that by supporting Governor Whitmer’s ARPA line-item for the FBCM.

Coming out of the Senate Agriculture Committee, chaired by Senator Roger Victory [previous FFM guest], is Senate Bill 0885 [Ag Bill]. SB 0885 has the potential to drastically impact agriculture and the work of the food banks.

Together we can create the movement that will create a food secure state! JFK once said, “Let us not seek the Republican answer, or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.”

Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan, at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.

Apple Podcasts --> https://apple.co/38UUpFk

iHeartRadio --> https://ihr.fm/38WJ2wN

#FOODFIRST

#FoodFirstMI

#FoodSecurity

#MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople

June 5, 2022 - Food for Thought

June 5, 2022 - Monologue

Did you know Michigan is the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state in the nation? Or that the agriculture sector contributes approximately 20% in activity for Michigan’s GDP?

Tune in to Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9 P.M. on WJR Radio to hear as Dr. Phil, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Senator Roger Victory delve into why agriculture should be a top priority for every Michigander. Senator Victory chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee and is a farmer himself. In fact, the last time he was on Food First Michigan, he conducted the interview from sitting on his tractor in the field!

Senator Victory stands alongside the Food Bank Council of Michigan – helping us distribute food from his farm to the those in need. He is determined to increase food accessibility throughout the state. Leaders should see better, before, and beyond the rest of us. Senator Victory sees better than most and assembled Senate Bill 0885. A bill that strengthens and empowers the ENTIRE food chain to ensure there won’t be a food shortage, there is a severe supply chain challenge.

Although agriculture is one of the top 3 significant economic drivers in the state of Michigan, in the last 3 decades, we continue to disinvest in our hometown communities and SB0885 addresses such. Contact your local Senator and Representative and share your concern of food accessibility and your support of SB0885. Your voice MATTERS!

Don’t know where to find that information? Visit: https://bit.ly/3LuBeDF and https://bit.ly/39dS3o6

The only thing that slips away faster than time is opportunity. The monies in the state of Michigan are a once in a lifetime opportunity to address neglected challenges and shortcomings.

Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.

Apple Podcasts --> https://apple.co/38UUpFk

iHeartRadio --> https://ihr.fm/38WJ2wN

#FOODFIRST

#FoodFirstMI

#FoodSecurity

#MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople

May 29, 2022 - Food for Thought

May 29, 2022 - Monologue