Food First

People who end up being 'first', don't actually set out to be first. They set out to do something they love.' -Condoleezza Rice

Food banking has shown the world that when they're faced with a problem, amazing things can happen. Three years ago Phil and Gerry started Food First to change the conversation and they have done just that. Part of changing the conversation is listening to people who don't necessarily agree with you and incorporating their wisdom into your thinking.

Tune in Sundays at 9 pm to hear what exactly changing the conversation takes - the 5 C's.

Be sure to get caught up on the innovative and inspiring conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/ or on Newstalk 760 AM WJR Radio. You can also join the movement for a Food Secure Michigan by filling out our simple form at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/join-the-movement/.

It's often said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Everything in life is complex. Take the Sigmoid curve for example - it's the key to growth and transformational change - without change, you're going to get the same results.

Listen as Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America and a thought leader, addresses hunger in the U.S. as his passion comes right through the speaker! Joel, Gerry and Phil discuss how hunger does NOT discriminate, the alarming nationwide statistics and how perception is deceiving.

Learn more about Hunger Free America at www.hungerfreeamerica.org.

Be sure to get caught up on the innovative and inspiring conversation at www.foodfirstmi.org or on Newstalk 760 AM WJR Radio. You can also join the movement for a Food Secure Michigan by filling out our simple form at www.foodfirstmi.org/join-the-movement.

I love money because it gives people options that the otherwise would not have.

Gerry and I had the pleasure of getting to know the breath of fresh air in politics, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on the show. Secretary Benson is standing in the gap for our hungry neighbors as well as running marathons while 8 months pregnant - Boston Marathon nonetheless! Secretary Benson is genuine, enthusiastic and is a believer in the process - she is providing the promise of democracy and equality by providing all eligible citizens the right for their voice to be heard and that is empowering!

The Food Bank Council of Michigan and Michigan Secretary of State's Offices are kicking off another year of partnership as well as the 29th year of the Michigan Harvest Gathering. All local offices are collecting non-perishable food items and financial contributions 10/2 - 11/15 - EVERY donation is kept within the community that it is donated in. https://tinyurl.com/ycap2da7

Be sure to get caught up on the innovative and inspiring conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/. You can also join the movement for a Food Secure Michigan by filling out our simple form at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/join-the-movement/.

Join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, and Dr. Dawn Opel for this episode of Food First! Listen in and learn how multiple sectors including healthcare, government, academia, and nonprofit can work together to better serve community members in need. New innovation, the use of data, and multisector integration are key for helping community members leverage services to help themselves become more self-sufficient. Hunger is solvable if we work together!

Catch Food First Sundays at 9:00 pm on WJR Radio or Newstalk 760 AM and get caught up on the conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/. You can also join the movement for a Food Secure Michigan by filling out our simple form at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/join-the-movement/.

The 2020 Census is right around the corner and poses an opportunity not only to ensure federal resources and political representation are properly allocated, but to engage individuals and strengthen communities. For every community member that is not counted, Michigan could miss out on about $1,800 in federal funds!

Listen in on as your hosts, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, speak with the President and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Donna Murray-Brown. A native Detroiter, Donna has been named for the second time to The Power & Influence Top 50 presented by the NonProfit Times and is an example of truly exceptional leadership. In tonight’s episode learn about the impact the 2020 Census could have on Michigan and how nonprofits across the state are creating innovative solutions to meet their missions. Head to https://becountedmi2020.com/ to see how you can get involved in the census to ensure an accurate count!

Catch Food First Sundays at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or Newstalk 760 AM and get caught up on the conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/. You can also join the movement for a Food Secure Michigan by filling out our simple form at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/join-the-movement/.

Food insecurity is immoral, unacceptable, and beatable. A vision of a better tomorrow fuels us today.

Listen in as Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson host Ernie Birchmeier, the manager of the Center for Commodity Farm and Industry Relations at the Michigan Farm Bureau. Tonight on Food First Ernie paints a picture of the hardship that Michigan farmers are facing due to the rainy spring and hot, dry midsummer. Learn tonight about the ripple effect crop shortages have through the food supply chain and how pending trade agreements could impact Michigan farmers. The Food Bank Council of Michigan is proud to have a strong partnership with Michigan Farm Bureau.

Catch Food First Sundays at 9:00 p.m. on WJR Radio or Newstalk 760 AM and get caught up on all the inspiring conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/.

You can also join the movement for a Food Secure Michigan by filling out our simple form at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/join-the-movement/

A tool is only as good as the craftsman who uses it. There are four major tools that must be used to create a food secure Michigan – government, the business community, personal responsibility, and the food bank network.

Be sure to join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, and Carrie Calvert - Managing Director of Government Relations at Feeding America tonight for a discussion about how available tools can be leveraged to address food insecurity.

This episode of Food First dives into the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act which has not been renewed since 2010! 1.4 million Michiganders including 400,000 children are still food insecure. Summer hunger persists for children and the conversation centers on how to “do more and better with less” to address this challenge. This episode also includes an exciting announcement about a new public and private partnership in Michigan to address family food security!

Be sure to get caught up on the conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/.

Listen in on a “wonky” policy conversation on this episode of Food First!

This evening Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, discuss the proposed changes to broad-based categorical eligibility. The duo breaks down the disparity between income limits for benefit programs and income needed for self-sufficiency. Exactly how much income does it take to be self-sufficient in your county? Find out at https://www.fbcmich.org/selfsufficiencystandard.

The conversation also readdresses the proposed changes to the federal poverty measure and touches on opportunities surrounding the Child Nutrition Reauthorization. Policy must be crafted utilizing data, experiential knowledge, and historical perspective to avoid “wonky” outcomes. As infamous philosopher Santayana said, “Those who fail to understand history are condemned to repeat it.”

Join the discussion and be sure to get caught up on the conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/.

Nobody likes a crisis, but a leader proves their value during an emergency more than at any other time.

Farmers in Michigan have faced an extremely challenging growing season due to inclement weather, with some farmers only having planted about 20% of their crops. Gary McDowell, the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has led the agricultural community through this season of hardship.

Join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, and Director McDowell tonight as they discuss the priorities of MDARD, the partnerships between the agricultural community and Michigan’s food bank network, how tariffs have impacted Michigan farmers, and Michigan’s incredible crop diversity.

We are thankful for the work Michigan farmers do and the food they provide for Michigan’s food bank network. Listen to this week's episode of Food First and be sure to get caught up on the conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/.

Everyone wants to drive hunger out of Michigan, so why not drive it out over newly paved roads and solid bridges?

Last year the American Society of Civil Engineers rated Michigan state roads a D-. Michigan’s food bank network drivers rely on state roads and cover an estimated 2 million miles each year to deliver more than 200 million pounds of food to nearly 3,000 local pantries.

Join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, and Rob Fowler, the CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, as they discuss how to address Michigan’s crumbling roads, the impacts of minimum wage increases, and Launch Michigan. The issues Michigan faces are complex, so dig in and let’s find solutions that work for all Michiganders.

Be sure to get caught up on the conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/.