Food First

June 27, 2021 - Monologue

Most of us are torn between the metaphorical clock and the compass. Our time to make an impact is short and we need both the clock and the compass to sort through opportunities in our path toward ending hunger and food insecurity. The Fresh Food Pharmacy at Grace Health in Battle Creek, MI is a project that is winning the race against the clock and the compass.

This week on Food First Michigan we welcome Peter Chang, MD who is the president and CEO of Grace Health, a federally qualified health center. Join the conversation with Dr. Chang, Dr. Phil Knight, and Gerry Brisson the president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, this Saturday at 11:00 PM or Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio.

Obesity and nutritionally related diseases like diabetes and heart disease are on the climb both in the United States and across the globe. These issues can be exacerbated without access to fresh food due to barriers including transportation, cost, and more. To address these issues, Grace Health, the South Michigan Food Bank, and the Food Bank Council of Michigan have partnered together to create the Fresh Food Pharmacy. This program provides healthy, nutritious, fresh food to patients interested in participating. Grace Health supports patients with guidance from dietitians on how to prepare fresh foods, offering recipes and tips to ensure the food provided is meeting the needs of those receiving it.

The Fresh Food Pharmacy is innovative, collaborative, and focused on helping others win their races against chronic diseases. The outcomes of this project will demonstrate the impact that access to fresh food has on the health, wellbeing, and lives of those managing chronic health conditions. Stay tuned in the coming months to hear about the changes taking place as a result of the program!

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

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

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

#FoodFirst

#FoodFirstMI

#FoodSecurity

#MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople

August 22, 2021 - Food for Thought

August 22, 2021 - Monologue

When you are hungry, you only have one problem. Once hunger comes off the table and is replaced with hope, families can focus on the next opportunity in their lives.

Max Finberg, president and CEO of Growing Hope Globally, joins Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Dr. Phil Knight this weekend on Food First Michigan.

Max is a leader who understands the power and significance of food. Growing Hope Globally works with farmers in the United States to serve and support farmers overseas. Their mission is to “link the grassroots energy and commitment of rural communities in the U.S. with the capability and desire of smallholder farmers in developing countries to grow lasting solutions to hunger.” Like the Michigan food bank network, Growing Hope Globally engages communities in the pursuit of food security and believes that hunger can be solved.

Recognizing the power of the food first concept changes the dynamics for all social programming. It makes food a priority. The impact of putting food first will be experienced through positive outcomes in education, healthcare, and workforce development.

Tune in this weekend on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM for the inspirational conversation on food and HOPE!

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

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

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

#FoodFirst

#FoodFirstMI

#FoodSecurity

#MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople

August 15, 2021 - Food for Thought

August 15, 2021 - Monologue

“A page of history is worth a pound of logic.” - Oliver Holmes

A generation ago, food banking was not what it is today. Change management is hard, but necessary. This weekend on Food First Michigan Dr. Dawn Opel, general counsel and director of research & strategic initiatives at the Food Bank Council of Michigan, joins Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, to discuss who and what we CAN become in the pursuit of a food secure Michigan. Our future is bright, bold, and BOUNDLESS!

Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 12:00 AM or 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM.

Dr. Opel is the driving force behind the impactful program, Boundless Collaborations. Boundless collaborations are collaborative ventures between two or more food banks that transcend historical service area boundaries to catalyze transformative opportunities. They cross boundaries, but also represent something greater – the belief in the boundless potential of working together. The Food Bank Council of Michigan is working with Gleaners Community Food Bank, the South MI Food Bank, and Food Gatherers to create a model of home delivered meals for senior citizens facing food insecurity.

Additionally, FBCM is working with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Aging &Adult Services Agency, to identify the need and how to address it statewide. The goal is to create a program complimentary to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Social Security... One of the biggest problems we face is “the last mile efforts.” We have the food and while mobile distributions help provide access, there is still a gap for the senior population that we aim to address.

We are full of HOPE!

Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on @ApplePodcasts, or @iHeartRadio.

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

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

#FoodFirstMI

#FoodSecurity

#MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople

#FoodFirst

August 1, 2021 - Food for Thought

August 1, 2021 - Monologue