Food First

On this week’s Food First Michigan show we are talking with Scott Piggott, CEO of Michigan Farm Bureau, and member of the Food Bank Council Board of Directors, about the consequences of policy change. The recent federal legislation passed surrounding the debt ceiling means the Michigan Milk Producers Association will no longer be able to donate the 350 gallons of milk they have been supplying to the state’s food bank network each day. The money is no longer available that covered the cost of processing for that important donation. Our conversation this week centers on for how long and why we need a different approach to addressing food security and its resources both in Michigan and across the nation.

It’s been articulated, and rightfully so, that things only truly change because of relationships. The Mackinac Policy Conference creates an annual opportunity to build and enhance our relationships with influencers across the state. We want them to know, understand about food insecurity, its effect on children and our communities and, more importantly, we want them to grasp the idea that food insecurity can be solved with their help.

This year Paula Cunningham, State Director for AARP Michigan, joins me in welcoming Patty Graham, CEO of Meridian Health Plan; Greg Viener Regional Marketing President for Huntington Bank in Flint; and Monique Stanton, CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy stop by for a quick conversation about why they want to invest part of their one handful of life in helping create a food secure state.

Patty, Greg, and Monique are doers of good. And, while they occupy the positions of influence they do, they use them to stand in the gap in order to make a difference in people’s lives by bridging the gap between poverty manifested as food insecurity and having enough access to the food they want and need for their families. Join us as we strive to put and keep food first.

Policy matters and that is why the Food Bank Council of Michigan and members of our organization attended the recent Mackinac Policy Conference presented by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Paula Cunningham, State Director of AARP MI served as guest host. Our interviews from the Policy Conference will be split into two different broadcasts. First up, this week’s episode of Food First Michigan features State Budget Director Chris Harkins and State Representative Christine Morse, Chair of the DHHS Subcommittee on Appropriations. Both are hard-working, dedicated public servants who have a heart for the work they do and are problem solvers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of Michiganders. They are believers in the families we serve, the work we lead, and what a future free of food insecurity will mean. Tune in to learn more about what each is doing to improve the quality of life for Michigan residents.

Food is not the solution to poverty. It is, however, the first step toward a self-sufficient life. When hunger comes off the table, the ability to focus beyond the current crisis becomes clearer. When food is available, worry is replaced with comfort. Over 50% of the food our network distributes is fresh and whether it is a box, bundle, or bag it provides hope. That’s the power of food. On today’s episode of Food First, we talk about the power of food and the impact it has on people faced with scarcity.

Improving Life for Michigan Families

Increasing the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System line item is an important investment we need to make in MI farmers and the families who are struggling. The faces of the individuals in need of food are changing. They are often in and out of food security, have enough for most of the month, but need help for a short time. Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet came to Lansing to get things done by passing bills that impact all of us, especially the families served by MI’s food banks. EITC, MASS, and economic development are some of her priorities. Check out this week’s edition of Food First for an important conversation about these issues with Senator McDonald Rivet.

Governor Whitmer has proposed investing $160M to support school meals for all. Nine states have passed legislation to put in place universal school meal programs. Will Michigan be the 10th? On this edition of Food First Michigan, we talk with Dr. Diane Golzynski, deputy superintendent for the Michigan Department of Education, to get a better understanding of school meals for all.

It has been said that change is inevitable, and growth is optional. Leaders love change, expect things to change, and work to create positive change. All change is a critique of the past, has casualties, and needs a champion. This week’s episode of Food First Michigan focuses on how to use conversation as the gateway to change.

Nonprofits and charities across our state have extremely talented people working hard to help their neighbors in need but there are still too few of these individuals in the world. On today’s episode of Food First Michigan, you will hear from Taylor Moore, the innovative director of Food Rescue – Goodwill Northern Michigan, who is investing his life to ensure people in need have access to the fresh food they want and need.

We have a responsibility to the next generation to give them every opportunity to succeed — which in turn will strengthen our communities and our country. Feeding children facing hunger is a priority of the Food Bank Council of MI and our members. Today’s Food First MI guest understands that investing in children is the right thing to do. Collin McDonough, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, is helping organize the efforts around School Meals for All.

Hunger for children, food security for seniors is and should always remain a non-partisan challenge. Republican, Democrat, and everyone in between should do what is necessary to ensure the toxic stress of food security is a thing of the past. So put down your partisanship, your prejudices, your bias, your judgements, and join us in creating a food secure Michigan. This week’s episode of Food First unpacks two pieces of legislation that impact our work and the families we are striving to help.