Food First: Recent Episodes
Phil Knight
“HUNGER IS NOT BETTER THAN WE ARE, IT IS NOT BIGGER THAN WE ARE, AND IT IS NOT BEYOND US TO SOLVE.” Featuring innovative leaders from government, industry and nonprofit organizations, Food First is a platform for sharing ideas and, more importantly, solutions to end food insecurity. Dr. Knight is a tireless advocate, believing that Michigan, the nation’s second most diverse agricultural state, can prove that hunger is not better, not stronger, and not smarter than us.
Understanding the value and impact of the food is crucial to understanding the bold concept of keeping food first folks food first.
Stephanie Johnson joins the show to help us unpack the State of the State address and the upcoming legislative session and how their work and priorities impact our work of creating a food secure state.
There are over 6,500 food deserts in the U.S. These are places where economics and geography make it harder for people to access healthy, nutritious food. While the challenges for those in rural and urban food deserts may look different, their refrigerators often look the same.
Michigan’s Food Banks stand is the gap to help meet this need in both the rural and urban food deserts across our state. In Michigan, our network of 7 Feeding America Food banks and their 3000 pantries helps create access for the 1.1 M people struggling with and living under the toxic stress of food insecurity.
“Healthy things grow, growing things change and growing things change things,” says author Christine Cain. That has been the case at the Food Bank Council of Michigan over the past several years. Our work has expanded, scaled, and changed to help meet the need in the communities across our state. As we have gotten healthier, we are privileged to have earned the trust of our legislature, governor’s office, as well as the community itself.
Listen today as Gerry and Phil talk about the journey to get healthy in all our relationships so the work of creating a food secure Michigan could grow. Phil and Gerry will share a huge announcement that highlights this healthy growth experience in recent years by the FBCM. Don’t miss this edition of Food First MI.
Hunger has a straightforward solution – access to healthy food on a consistent basis. Food security is a bit different. It is a systemic adjustment to allow people to use and keep leverages to meet their daily, weekly, and monthly household needs.
On this week’s Food First Michigan we talk with United Dairy Industry of Michigan CEO Dwyer Williams. She is a problem solver who know there are many obstacles, challenges, and opportunities to help families have access to the food they want and need, specifically the most requested food item in our food bank network – milk.
Poverty in America sounds like an oxymoron. It just doesn’t seem to fit together. Why must there always be a class of people in our country that doesn’t have enough? During this week’s episode of Food First Michigan, hosts Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson examine this question.
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 FamiliesIncreasing 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.
Innovation it is said, is the enemy of efficiency. The Deputy Undersecretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Stacy Dean, is an innovator. She is investing her energy in making food more accessible to people with limited opportunities and on this week’s edition of Food First Michigan you will hear from her about how she is innovating processes and programs to help people get the food they both want and need.
On Food First Michigan we often say a job is the biggest tool in the anti-hunger toolbox, but upon further review lowering the unemployment rate isn’t the cure all to poverty. While the unemployment rate has dropped, the poverty rate has stubbornly stayed at around 10 percent and never dropped below 10 percent. On today’s episode of Food First Michigan Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson talk about the role of work in solving poverty and other social disparities that contribute to poverty in Michigan.
Dr. Katie S Martin, a PhD researcher from Tufts University and the School of Nutrition Science and Policy, is the author of Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries: New Tools to End Hunger. Martin has dedicated her career to researching food insecurity, talking with individuals who experience food insecurity, visiting food banks and food pantries, and creating programs that promote health, dignity, and financial wellbeing. Her goal is to create a paradigm shift in the way we address food insecurity to move from short-term transactions of food to long-term transformations of lives. Here more from her on these important topics on this week’s episode of Food First Michigan.
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association was the Title Sponsor for the 2022 Michigan Harvest Gathering giving campaign. They have been a long-time supporter of the Michigan Harvest Gathering. Hear from Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association about why they are committed to helping solve food insecurity for Michigan residents.
Happy five-year anniversary to Food First Michigan! Take a look back at some Best of Food First episodes and celebrate with us!
With the holidays upon us, we are seeing an even greater need for food need families across the state of Michigan. The Farm Bureau family of companies is committed to serve the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s mission of creating a food secure state in this season of Thanksgiving and beyond. Check out this week’s episode of Food First Michigan where we are talking with Michigan Farm Bureau CEO Scott Piggott about the potential for partnership, policy change, and the procurement of food for those struggling under a food insecure lifestyle.
Change has come to Michigan that hasn’t come in a generation. Specifically, political change. The executive office and both houses of the MI legislature will all align under the leadership of Governor Whitmer, Senator Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and our guest this week, the newly elected Speaker of the House, Representative Joe Tate. Rep Tate is a true leader, who believes in us, our work at the Food Bank Council and most importantly he believes in the families across out state that struggle with living under the curse of food insecurity.
The value of work is still important today and as is a heart of giving. It is the unique combination that can propel a family struggling with monthly bills to find financial peace. While work is important, necessary and the biggest tool in the anti-hunger toolbox – in many cases it is not enough. Our work at the food banks across MI needs good policy that supports work for people and families. We also need generosity from our community to help those who need help. On today’s show we talk with Carolyn Bloodworth from the Consumer’s Energy Foundation. Consumers recently invested a large donation in our work and Carolyn is here to share with us about this amazing gift. Work plus goodness is a winning combination for families struggling with living a food insecure life. That’s what we are talking about on this edition of Food First Michigan.
Join us for this week's show to learn more about the three hottest topics in the world of food insecurity -- Michigan Harvest Gathering; the upcoming election and why it matters; and the current state of food insecurity in our state.
This week Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, CEO of the Ohio Association of Food Banks joins Food First to talk about the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in over 50 years. Dr. Phil Knight and Lisa Hamler-Fugitt were amongst a handful of hunger leaders from across the nation to attend this important event. Listen in to hear how the White House plan will address taking food insecurity off the table for all Americans.
The latest episode of Food First Michigan is focused on the effects of food insecurity on children from health to educational outcomes. Food insecurity amongst children is a “we” problem to solve because if a child is not well fed, they are not well read. Today’s children are tomorrow’s workforce, so we need to work together to address food insecurity amongst Michigan’s children. Today’s guest is Yasmeen Jasey, Michigan Market Executive, Citizens Financial Group. Listen in to learn more about this important issue.
“Change has Changed” is a book by my friend Samuel Chand. Sam is not wrong, this world looks vastly different than it did 3.5 years ago. Change isn’t the only thing thats changed, so have we as both individuals and organizations. Sometimes change is painful, it hurts but is necessary as we evolve and grow into the leaders and organizations that are equal to the task we’ve been entrusted to accomplish. Otherwise, “when you interpret your pain as bigger-more important, more threatening, more comprehensive - than your vision, you’ll redefine your vision down to the threshold of your pain.” Sam Chand.
Gerry Brisson and I are here today to talk about how we are managing change and using it to make our work stronger, more impactful and sustainable.
Election season is in full swing across Michigan and I know many of you are already tired of the brand of politics that includes name calling, endless mailings and lots of bickering. But our unique America political process offers us the opportunity to influence policy, priorities and the people who want to govern even before they are elected.
Anna Alamaza, director of policy for the Food Bank Council of Michigan, a Lansing insider who is leading our work of influencing the candidates currently running and also current state and federal policies that are effecting our work today. This is Anna’s first time on FFM and we are sure it won’t be her last.
Control the controllable is a sentence I utter to myself quite often. I am often frustrated with others in the manner by which they go about their business, work and responsibilities – especially when it impacts my ability to do my work with excellence. Coach Bill Belichick said, “What we can control is our performance and our execution, and that’s what we are going to focus on.” We can’t control inflation but we can strive to get people the food they want and need. We can’t control the price of gas, but we can do our job with excellence so people struggling with food insecurity have one less tradeoff to deal with at home. We cannot control what the government does or doesn’t, but we can lobby, advocate, encourage, inspire and hold accountable those who have the responsibility to operate the programs designed to help our residents with the challenge of living a food insecure life. What we can do is put and keep food first folks, food first.
A new study published by the Center for Health and Research Transformation at the University of Michigan that reveals insights about the screening and referral of food insecure patients is a key strategy in helping people become food secure. Today on our show, our own Dr. Dawn Opel returns to help us understand at a greater level how the knowledge physicians have gained can help connect food insecure families to resources they need and help take Michigan to the next level of food security.
Feeding America is the nation’s largest anti hunger organization. Together we are committed to taking hunger off the table for every child, senior and family who struggles with access to food in every county in the United States. In Michigan, our FBCM network serves every county in the mitten and the Upper Peninsula. It is a big vision and a huge undertaking, Kathryn Strickland is up to the task as Feeding America’s Chief Network Officer and she is our guest on Food First MI.
Today, I have hope. Hope because the conversations about racism and equity is more candid than at anytime in my lifetime and with that comes positive change. A leader in this field, the Chief Equity Officer of Feeding America, Ami McReynolds has a story to tell, a viewpoint to share and she is our guest today on Food First MI.
equity, #foodsecurity
The MPC22 conference on Mackinac Island is a place and event where any conversation can happen and often does. This show knows the potential that can happen when you change the conversation. You change and your connections, culture and conclusion can all change. That is the power of conversations, particularly on Mackinac at the Detroit Chamber Policy Conference.
This week hear from Garrick Rochow, CEO of Consumers, AG Dana Nessel, Lew Roubal from Depart of Health/Human Services and a newcomer to our world but full of life and passion for the work our friend Yasmeen Jasey from Citizens Bank. All four from varied background and all have a hunger to see food security created statewide.
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.
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of people to change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Margaret Mead was a catalyst for change during the turbulent 1960’s. She was a leader in the truest sense – she thought better, before, and beyond. Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday on WJR Radio at 9 p.m. to hear from Dr. Phil, Gerry Brisson president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Tom Nugent, director of human resources for Michigan Farm Bureau. They discuss the power of people and their ability to make a difference. Tom is a farm kid by nature and has worked at Michigan Farm Bureau for 30+ years – he is committed to helping his fellow Michiganders.
Here in Michigan, there’s a not so small group coming together to create positive change in childhood food insecurity. Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies is spearheading an effort to get involved in the work of the food banks whose mission is to create a food secure state. Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies is committed to helping their members and effectuate a cause that we can rally around; ergo the for-purpose initiative of helping end childhood hunger.
The Family of Companies reaches wide in all 83 counties as they have over 1,000 employees and 400 agents and their staff, throughout the state. With service being a large component to success in food banking, the Family of Companies dedicates 3 days of volunteering at our 7 Feeding America food banks in June. We are grateful for the steadfast commitment of partners that continue to stand alongside of us in order to create a food secure state.
Food insecurity can be solved, one reason we believe it can be is because enough people want to see it happen.
To find more information on volunteering, visit: fbcmich.org or mi.gov/mcsc
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes, sponsored by @farmbureaumi at foodfirstmi.org, on @applepodcasts or @iheartradio.
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“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. And now is the time to understand more, so we can fear less.” - Marie Curie
The COVID-19 pandemic, the worst public health crisis since the Spanish Flu of 1918 and 1919, brought massive changes to ALL our lives. We are or will be going through the most radical transformation the world has ever seen. However, not all of the changes we experienced were pandemic related. The social unrest, policing, and justice were all brought to the forefront by the murder of George Floyd. It brought to light the racial inequity to the TOP of the nation’s mind.
Subsequent incidences continue to keep these fires of racial inequity burning bright. As the pandemic roared, we saw firsthand the dehumanizing effect of the lack of food access and healthcare [including testing and vaccines] occurring in communities of color.
Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9 p.m. on WJR Radio to hear from Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, as they describe the journey that brought them here, the discoveries they’ve unearthed, and the path forward in the wake of new learnings, beginnings, and opportunities during these historic times.
While a lot has changed, some things have and WILL not, and that is where our food bank network’s beliefs, values, and commitment to helping the communities we serve steps in. Gaining insight, understanding, perspective, and eventual wisdom toward a better tomorrow is the work of leaders who care and have courage.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes, sponsored by @farmbureaumi at foodfirstmi.org, on @applepodcasts or @iheartradio.
Apple Podcasts --> https://apple.co/38UUpFk iHeartRadio --> https://ihr.fm/38WJ2wN
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“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.” - George Washington
Recently, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Senator John Boozman, opened the Farm Bill 2023 with a Field Hearing at Michigan State University. The Farm Bill is the single most important piece of legislation that effects food in our entire system – from beginning to end.
During the Field Hearing Senator Stabenow asked Dr. Phil to testify about food. Food insecurity is close to Phil as he was one of the ‘faces’ of hunger as well as his two sons. No one aspires to be food insecure, but with the help of SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program], and his local pantry, hunger came off the table for Phil and his boys. Tune in to Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9 p.m. on WJR Radio to hear Phil, Gerry Brisson, president, and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, unpack his compelling testimony at the opening hearing for the next Farm Bill, discuss the importance of the next Farm Bill and delve into the economic impact that food plays in our country and state.
The POWER of food is immeasurable and helps ensure your next successes. This piece of legislation hugely effects our mission of creating food security; however, without alignment of government food programs, we are unable to effectively address the need in the communities.
To watch the full Field Hearing https://bit.ly/39kj8pL
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes, sponsored by @farmbureaumi at foodfirstmi.org, on @applepodcasts or @iheartradio.
Apple Podcasts --> https://apple.co/38UUpFk iHeartRadio --> https://ihr.fm/38WJ2wN
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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
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“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford
The labels we use to describe people or segments of our population cause those who hear the adjectives to categorize the people in question, making it difficult to withhold bias towards the group. Conservative is such a word. Tune in for Food First Michigan on Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio to hear Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, unpack why conservatives should care deeply about solving food security, the effectiveness of providing healthy and nutritious food, and the benefits cliff.
Misconceptions, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities all contribute to why conservatives are allegedly less engaged in the fight against hunger across our nation. This is not just about politics, administration or the legislature – it is about the people! We are never going to solve this problem with only half of the population. Many conservatives are deeply engaged and believe in our mission – they want to see the Michigan food bank network succeed.
The principle of doing more with less is essentially a conservative principle and that is a large component of why conservatives enjoy working with food banks. In some instances, we know it is less expensive and more efficient to give people money and sometimes it is less expensive and more efficient to give people the food they want and need. We need to balance these things with the correct amount of help in the right way. We must listen to understand, not to reply.
The benefits cliff is a term referring to when an individual’s income increases, and the amount of benefits they qualify for decreases. The threshold is 180% poverty, or about $11-$16 / hour, MI being around $14 / hour. Once this limit is met, no further benefits are received. Once the threshold is met, individuals must evaluate the value of benefits versus their earned income. There is a drop-off point where it is more beneficial to earn less and maintain the benefits than to work and receive regular raises. This disincentivizes people from the kinds of progress that they want to make to succeed in life.
Imagine what your community would like if no one was living under the toxic stress of food insecurity… what would economy would be like? Educational outcomes? Health and wellness indicators? What a GREAT vision for a better tomorrow!
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
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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
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“Life is never more fun than when you’re the underdog competing against the giants.” - Ross Perot
The recipe is always the same when you’re tackling the impossible. You start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and before you know it, the impossible is happening right before your eyes.
Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio to hear from Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Sheril Kirshenbaum, executive director of Science Debate, host of Serving Up Science at PBS Digital Studios, and MSU academic specialist. Sheril continues to blind us with science and discussed two challenges that are seemingly impossible to solve: climate change and food insecurity. Sheril helps us understand the link between climate change and food security and how we might accomplish the impossible and change the outcome of both.
Sheril works at the intersection of agriculture and climate – studying how we produce, consume, and waste food. This all plays a huge role in the emissions we create, but also the opportunity we have to address climate change. Sheril says it best that, “food is the victim, the cause, and the solution to climate change.” If you’re interested in learning more, check out the books linked below:
Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katherine Heyhoe https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Us-Climate-Scientists-Healing/dp/1982143835/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16CVM99Z8O2FX&keywords=kathrine+heyhoe&qid=1641492647&s=books&sprefix=katherine+heyhoe%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 Tomorrow Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food by Pamela C. Ronald and Raoul W. Adamchak https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrows-Table-Organic-Farming-Genetics/dp/0199342083/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Z91IR4XTEV6X&keywords=Tomorrow+Table&qid=1641492698&s=books&sprefix=tomorrow+table%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-1 It’s not too late - let’s STOP arguing and START solving!
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
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“Real food shortages will strike the U.S.” – President Biden
This week on Food First Michigan, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank unpack the hot topic of food shortages with their experience of talking to leaders of retail grocery store chains and leaders of the agricultural industry in Michigan. Tune in for the engaging discussion Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM!
Recently President Biden shared a message about food and the supply chain, “food shortages will be real.” This powerful statement brings a ton of questions such as food shortages for who, where and how long? If it is happening, why?
Senate Bill No. 885 is being proposed by the Senate agricultural committee. This bill will help address the food shortages we are dealing with and ensures the Food Bank Network will help safely run the distribution of food. The bill supports farmers, transporters and producers.
Life is more than a headline, the size of a tweet or even a blurb from a President speech. You have to dig and when it comes to understanding the issues, challenges, impact and solutions around food insecurity, we are committed to do the digging that unearths the truth for you and with you. We understand the value of food, the severity of not having enough and both the consequences and blessing enough food brings with it.
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
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“Inflation, a weakened supply chain from our primary food supplier and an increased need has our food banks looking across the bow of our own boat that sees the storm that’s coming.” – Dr. Phil Knight.
This week on Food First Michigan, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank discuss how we should be concerned but not fearful as we brace for the coming storm that impacts our ability to create a food secure state. Tune in for the engaging discussion Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM!
We are at a five year low in the amount of food banks receive from the USDA. There is a supply chain issue causing more than 200 loads cancelled by the USDA since January and a lot of uncertainty. But, in the end we have a system that works well.
There’s one organization and one network that can do this work at a stateside scale, to keep food safe, handle it properly and to use a network of more than 3,000 different partners to get the food out, and that’s the Food Bank Council of Michigan and our seven food banks. So let us do our work so people are blessed to get the food and the help they need in the way they need it.
It is said that hard times don’t last but tough people do. Food bankers are some of the most resilient leaders I have ever known. They do not quit. They inspire their teams; they pull their hats down and steer their boats to safety. We have done it in the great recession, government shutdowns and now during the pandemic. And we will do it again. We are a little nervous, but we aren’t scared, and we will need your help this time like we did last time. You can help by giving your time, talent and treasure to help us weather these days of difficulties. Find us as fbcmich.org and we will put you to work. Until then, we’ll keep food first.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.
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“Putting Michiganders first means making sure that they can provide healthy food to their families.” – Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Governor Gretchen Whitmer created the Food Security Council as part of her ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in Michigan, appointing Dr. Phil Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan, as the Chair.
This week on Food First Michigan, Dr. Dawn Opel, the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s director of research & strategic initiatives and general counsel, helps us understand the Food Security Council’s final report and the potential impact it could have on food security in Michigan. The report can be found at fbcmich.org. Tune in for the engaging discussion Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM!
The final report released by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Food Security Council contains evidence-based information on food insecurity to our state. There are three areas of recommendations in the report: Increase Availability of Healthy, Fresh Food; Understand and Support Michiganders Experiencing Hunger; and Improve Navigation to Connect to Food and Nutrition Programs.
Food insecurity affects each segment of the Michigan economy. Healthcare costs associated with food insecurity in our state are about $1.8 billion dollars each year, with total costs totaling to $5.5 billion dollars each year. Recommendation #11 is “improve infrastructure for food insecurity screening, referral, and diagnostic coding in healthcare organizations.” Dr. Opel shares her knowledge on this topic and explain that to address food insecurity as a social determinant of health, we must create infrastructure within the healthcare system to coordinate services and integrate those providing food resources into the treatment plan.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the role that food insecurity had in exacerbating disparities for those impacted. Creating a statewide solution to address food insecurity as a social determinant of health will take agreement and alignment across multiple sectors including government, industry, and nonprofit.
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For the past two years we’ve been living in unprecedented times. There is no return to ‘normal’ – we must learn and adjust continuously. One thing that has not changed is the vital role employment plays to help people overcome food insecurity. The biggest and best tool in the anti-hunger toolbox is employment that pays a livable wage.
Tune in to Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9 p.m. on WJR Radio to hear Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Brian Calley, the president and CEO at SBAM. Brian says it best, ‘that the challenges are big, but the opportunities and the possibilities are even BIGGER!’ Brian discusses what is happening with employment and how it affects small businesses in Michigan. The ebb and flow of business directly correlates with the ebb and flow of our work in food security.
Over the last two years, thousands of people have started a small business. While the small business world is diverse and complicated world – this is very exciting for our future!
SBAM and FBCM align with striving to help families earn, get ahead, build wealth, and become self-sufficient. We choose to invest in the potential of people and we do so because we believe they are worthy of the investment.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.
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Why are people struggling with more month than money? To answer this question, we must trade on trust, be grounded in facts, and rooted in data.
Tune in for FACTS on Food First Michigan at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio and hear from Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Dr. Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, a leading economic expert on anti-poverty measures and the Director of the Institute for Policy Research and Professor of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. They will be examining the impact of the Child Income Tax Credit intervention and how households use it, as well as the policy changes that evolved amid the pandemic. The facts and the research show the picture.
Interventions from the government, including the Child Income Tax Credit [CITC], have a dramatic effect on families who are struggling at the poverty level or below. 91% of recipients of the Child Income Tax Credit used the funds to fulfill the basic needs of their household including food, utility, and housing expenses. We need to stop worrying about those few who misuse the intervention and think more about the MANY who benefit from this investment. While MANY are quick to judge and slow to listen, the objective of our show is to change the conversation around food security and create a movement that generates enough political will to solve the problem. People are worth investing in. Providing support through interventions like the CITC allows families to meet their basic needs and creates a foundation for future success.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.
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“Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” – Tanzanian Proverb
John van Hengel, the father of food banking, created ripples of positive change that are still being felt today. John led by example that significance is more important than success. John began distributing unsellable food from grocery stores to agencies that wanted to help their communities. Ergo, America’s first food bank.
Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio to hear Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, discuss the fundamentals of food banking in Michigan and why the work is so important. Having been in this work for 30 + years, Gerry is a subject matter expert.
The charitable food system provides food access for vulnerable people in nearly every community in the United States. Food banks are critical in addressing community health disparities through the food and related services they provide. People get involved in this work because they care for people. WE are ALL part of this work.
This is who we are. The needs, our methods, the sophistication to do this work is ever-changing, but the mission does not. Solver hunger today – create food security ASAP!
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.
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Four years ago, Dr. Phil and Gerry started Food First Michigan with the intent of changing the conversation about food security in Michigan. The reason we can see farther is because we’ve been standing on the shoulders of giants - giants that have joined the movement of creating a food secure state. This charge is born out of believing food insecurity CAN be solved and that it is in the best interest of EVERYBODY in the community for it to be solved.
Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio with Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and John Roberts, interim president of Advantasure and a member of the Food Bank Council of Michigan Board of Directors, to hear why John has joined our movement and discuss the importance of the Social Determinants of Health [SDoH].
John is an influencer - a leader who has served at the top levels of State Government and is unafraid to help others when they are in need. Food is centric to our lives and we believe that food insecurity is an issue that can unite us – it is a non-partisan issue that drives change! Where there is no vision, the people perish. But, where there is no money, the vision perishes.
John got involved in this movement because he wants a community that is equitable and thrives. He has come alongside of us in many ways. Leaders are influencers. When people who lead want to use their influence for the greater good and the welfare of others, it is impactful!
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating impacts on our nation’s food systems and economy, forcing millions of Americans to turn to the emergency food network for aid. Food banks, food pantries, and other community organizations have stepped up to meet the increase in need.
Tune in for Food First Michigan on WJR Radio this Sunday at 9:00 PM to hear from Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Carrie Calvert, vice president of government relations for Feeding America, for the conversation focusing on agriculture and nutrition.
Carrie helps make sure Congress and the Administration understand what is happening among our food bank network and the support that we need. Dr. Phil, Gerry, and Carrie delve in to two impactful programs for our food bank network, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program [LFPA] and The Emergency Food Assistance Program [TEFAP] Reach and Resiliency Initiative. Carrie helps us understand the intent of the programs, the opportunities, and what YOU can do to help us reach the next level of food security across Michigan.
The United States Department of Agriculture [USDA] has been provided $1 billion to invest in the nation’s emergency food network. At this time, $50 million in TEFAP Reach and Resiliency grants are being made available to TEFAP state agencies on a competitive basis. The LFPA program is part of the “Build Back Better” initiative, authorized by the American Rescue Plan. The purpose of this program is to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. The program will award up to $400 million through non-competitive cooperative agreements with state and tribal governments to support local, regional, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through the purchase of domestic local foods.
What does it mean to cancel a load of food for Michigan? It means that families and underserved communities do not receive much-needed food. This is unacceptable – we CAN do better!
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.
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“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France
Pets are special. Economics play no role in the joy, comfort, and stability a pet brings to a home. Tune in this Sunday for Food First Michigan on WJR Radio at 9 PM to hear Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Matthew Pepper, president and CEO of Michigan Humane Society discuss how vitally important pets are to people’s mental, physical, and emotional health, especially throughout the public health crisis.
Matthew’s love for his work exudes through the microphone and his commitment to helping people where they are at is commendable. Often the families that we serve will feed their children and their pets before they feed themselves – but they should not have to make this choice. The Michigan Humane Society has partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank to ensure this toxic stressor is removed from their lives. Pets are meeting the need emotionally and mentally for us humans, we should be able to meet their needs as well. This partnership will allow us to help meet the need in a unique way, an inspiring way, and with excellence.
Innovation, partnership, and a shared mission are values that we look for in new partnerships aimed at helping families achieve self-sufficiency. Pets are NOT a luxury, they are a critical component in helping families find normalcy, stability, and comfort.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” - Nelson Mandela
Soon, Governor Gretchen Whitmer will share her take on the strength of our state and her hopes for the future in her State of the State Address. In one of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speeches from 1941, he shared a desire to see everyone experience freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom of poverty, and freedom from fear. One of our network’s biggest hopes is that all families that come to us are free of fear. We hope that when they speak, they feel heard. We hope that our work is helping make a life that is good with a vision for a better tomorrow.
Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9 PM on WJR Radio to hear Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, discuss the State of the State of food insecurity – the food supply chain challenges, the United States Department of Agriculture’s roles, and an extension to a no-wrong-door solution. The Food Bank Council of Michigan and our seven regional food banks make a statewide footprint for sourcing and distributing food – that’s powerful!
“Food is strength, and food is peace, and food is freedom, and food is a helping hand to people around the world whose good will and friendship we want.” - John F. Kennedy.
We have enough food to feed every man, woman, and child in the world. We have the ability, the means, and the capacity to eliminate hunger from the face of the Earth in OUR lifetime. We only need the WILL to make global food security a reality.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.
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“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9 PM to hear from Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Rob Fowler, CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). Rob has served as president and CEO of SBAM for over 20 years and has been an exceptional leader during his tenure. SBAM has grown significantly in size and influence as stands in the gap for small business owners and families across the state. Rob has announced his retirement beginning in the New Year, with Brian Calley becoming SBAM’s new president and CEO.
Phil, Gerry, and Rob discuss the “Fowlerisms” from Rob throughout the years on Food First Michigan. One of Rob’s most profound “Fowlerisms” being, ‘the fastest way out of poverty is entrepreneurship – the sheerest way out is education.’ Many of us see “Help Wanted” signs in storefronts as of late, and it’s a GOOD thing! Prior to the pandemic, people many were working 2-3 jobs making $10-$12/hour, but are now working less jobs and making $15-$17/hour. Rob is changemaker – him and his team worked tirelessly to increase the minimum wage for our fellow Michiganders. Although Rob is retiring from SBAM, there is no doubt that he will continue to use his one handful of life to better those around him.
Who Wins When We Win? This is a saying you have heard often on Food First Michigan. We’ve outlined how education, healthcare, and our communities all win. And, how businesses win when food insecurity is no longer an issue. Healthier and happier people being de-stressed about the basic needs, enables them to be more and highly productive members of a team. Taking hunger off of the table for employees means greater profits for companies, big or small.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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“Traditions touch us, they connect us, and they expand us.” Rita Barreto Craig
Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9 PM on WJR Radio to hear Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank celebrate the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s stand-in-the-gap champions, also known as Hunger Heroes, on their annual holiday show! Our Hunger Heroes prove their efforts impact our network and the families we serve.
Our 7 Feeding America food banks that serve all 83 counties in Michigan know that it would be impossible without the help of individuals who choose to invest their one handful of life with us. They are a Beacon of Light, if you will. A large sector in our annual Michigan Harvest Gathering is the celebration of a Beacon of Light that is chosen by each regional food bank as well as Hunger-Free Michigan awardees. These people hold the promise of HOPE.
As we continue to move forward in the seemingly never-ending public health crisis, the steadfast commitment of our Hunger Heroes is impactful. Join us to learn about 3 amazing volunteers: Kurt Damrow, a former Air Force Veteran and State Representative; Joshua Gillespie II, director of Larry Mitchel Trice Sr. [LMTS] Community Outreach Services; and Scott Avery, a faithful volunteer at the South Michigan Food Bank. Plus, hear about two tremendous organizations in the food service industry Milk Means More and Doug Busch, owner of Busch’s Grocery. We also discuss the outstanding work of the Weingartz Family who is committed GCFB’s board and fundraising. Dr. Knight will also introduce the 2021 Hunger-Free Michigan award recipients: Dr. Delicia Pruitt, Medical Director of the Saginaw County Public Health Department and Lew Roubal, Chief Deputy Director for Opportunity for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. We know that hunger is SOLVEABLE because of people like them!
Celebrate what you want, and in our case, what you need. Let us celebrate the people who choose to invest their life in those who have less. Not everything that comes to us is for us. Let’s do our best to be thankful, to be merry, and as the new year arrives, let’s be ready to put and keep #FOODFIRST!
As you head into the holiday season, please remember your local food bank and visit FeedMichigan.org.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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“Art is an irreplaceable way of understanding and expressing the world.” Dana Gioia
Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday on WJR Radio at 9 PM to hear from Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of the Gleaners Community Food Bank and two unique and inspiring leaders: Desiree Kelly, an award-winning artist and native of Detroit; and Pamela Taylor, SVP and chief communications & marketing officer at Share our Strength. The episode focuses on the work Desiree and Pamela have done to help people see and understand hunger through the eyes of a child.
Desiree’s work is immersive. It reflects on the narrative of her subjects by including artifacts & phrases from the subject within each piece. Her murals are powerful and multifaceted – view some of her work here https://www.nokidhungry.org/rebuild Children are HOPEFUL creatures. Desiree’s art is expressive and she captures many ideas and feelings in each piece.
Pamela was the person who had the idea of using art to communicate the realities associated with being food insecure. It takes more than food to fight hunger – it takes innovation, creativity, and addressing the needs at all angles. Share our Strength set out on their journey to create murals across the country: Detroit, Atlanta, Washington D.C., just outside of Los Angeles – Rialto, and New York. The artists’ imagery capture and tell their story about the hope of rising out of the pandemic and the hope of ending childhood hunger.
Art is the desire of mankind to express themselves. To record their reactions of their personality to the world they live in. Hunger is a reality in America – it is a problem that we as a nation, have never decided to solve completely. Phil and Gerry continue to use their voices to define the reality of hunger in Michigan, but work even more diligently to create positive solutions that will FINALLY take hunger off the table in our state. It starts by putting and keeping #FOODFIRST!
To learn more about Desiree’s work, visit - https://www.desireekellyart.com/ and https://www.nokidhungry.org/rebuild
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Food insecurity is a man-made problem. It exists because WE allow it to. There is NO good that comes from food insecurity and make no mistake, taking hunger off the table is the first step in helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency.
This weekend on Food First Michigan, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, wax philosophical about food insecurity and its origins, and discuss the practical measures our network is doing to rid Michigan of it.
Tune in for the informative conversation this Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM.
We often take a broad brush and attempt to rationalize the existence of complicated issues like food insecurity using one size fits all, flawed explanations. We may view food insecurity as a symptom of poverty when in fact, there is evidence for food insecurity being a root cause of poverty. The discussion dives into the history of food insecurity and the role government has played in addressing the needs of its citizens. We must view food insecurity within the complex context that it exists and involve those who have a vested interest in finding a solution.
Hidden hunger exists in each community – whether we see it or not. Food insecurity did not start with us, but nonetheless it is our responsibility to end it. We start solving the problem of food insecurity by keeping #FOODFIRST!
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
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Four years ago, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, started Food First Michigan. Since then, the Food First Michigan audience has grown over 1,400% with listeners in over 13 countries. They began with the sole intent of changing the conversation around food security - they have done that and so much more!
Tune in this Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio to hear Phil and Gerry reflect on three pivotal conversations they had in the past year. The topic of each conversation centers on how our network moves forward to reach the next level of food security for our state. The three most important conversations were on the following subjects -
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The value that food has in addressing poverty. Providing food to people today is a launchpad for them to achieve their next success in life.
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Food insecurity is a man-made problem. When we put food first, we begin to address the underlying causes of not just hunger, but of poverty itself. Food insecurity is not being without food. It means the likelihood that you will be without food is great enough that you are uncertain whether you have it or not when you need it. On average, most people that are food insecure are missing five meals per week.
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The trauma associated with food insecurity. Food insecurity causes individuals to shrink and disengage. Children who grow up in a food insecure household experience a trauma that can stay with them long-term.
Busting myths about the value of food, seeing food insecurity as a problem of our own making and attempting to understand the trauma that food insecurity infuses into a family are three of the most important topics of shows that Phil and Gerry have produced this year. They may not win awards, but these shows played an important role in creating a greater understanding about the difficult challenge we face in creating a food secure Michigan.
Thank you all who have joined the movement and continue to stand alongside of us by keeping #FOODFIRST!
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio.
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Food insecurity is stressful and causes people to shrink and become disengaged. This weekend on Food First Michigan, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, unpack the impact of food insecurity on families across the state, how they cope, and why the work of the food bank network is so vital. How do families cope with food insecurity? Phil and Gerry explain the strategies used by people – both food secure and food insecure – to afford food. Dr. Alyssa Beavers with Wayne State University provided information on these strategies which include relying more on hunting and fishing, relying more on foraging, buying food on credit, borrowing money from friends or family, relying more on growing food, getting food from food pantries, accepting food from friends or family, stretching meals by eating less, buying foods that do not go bad quickly, and buying different or cheaper foods. The toxic stress of food insecurity is lived out in different ways. It changes people and can cause stress to build up. This added stress can cause individuals to respond differently to daily problems than they would if the toxic stress of food insecurity was not there. Food insecurity can also be a trauma for some. Children who grow up in a food insecure household experience a trauma that can stay with them long-term. Supply chain interruptions and forces in the economy are adding even more pressure to those fighting food insecurity. The food bank network in Michigan is working to provide access to food in a variety of ways to help create stability. Hunger isn’t bigger than we are, it isn’t better than we are, and it is not beyond us to solve! Join us in keeping #FOODFIRST! 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
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Food is critical to understanding other people. This weekend on Food First Michigan, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, welcome their guest Justin Winslow, the president & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. We are kicking off the 31st annual Michigan Harvest Gathering with the Michigan Meal Challenge in partnership with the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. Be sure to tune in in this Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM to hear more about this year’s campaign. Come alongside the Michigan food bank network and the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association to support those who are still struggling by visiting feedmichigan.org. On this edition of Food First Michigan, Justin defines reality on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Michigan restaurant and lodging industry – and how the industry is recovering. We are thankful to have the MRLA as our partner in making Michigan a food secure state. Change is certain. The challenge we have as leaders is to create positive change. The Michigan Harvest Gathering was started 31 years ago by Bill and Cynthia Schuette. Their impact lives on through the Michigan Harvest Gathering, which allows us to unite around the nonpartisan challenge of food insecurity. Let our generation be the one that puts and keeps #FOODFIRST. 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
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If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. There is strength in numbers – we are better together. Food insecurity is a challenge that cannot be solved alone. One is much too small of a number to multiply; we need more of you to join us in creating a food secure state.
This week the Food Bank Council of Michigan launched the 31st Michigan Harvest Gathering with a new twist of the Michigan Meal Challenge! We are grateful for our partners who share our concern and HOPE of creating a food secure state.
This week on Food First Michigan, Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association, joins Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, to discuss MHA’s 20 + years of partnership with the Michigan Harvest Gathering on WJR Radio at PM. Brian is a leader who grasps the significance and severity of the impact that food insecurity has on people and communities. Throughout the years of partnership, MHA has raised just shy of $3,000,000 and collected 3.5 million pounds of food! It is not lost on us that the people who are giving care to others, care deeply for those who are struggling with food insecurity.
As the holiday season is upon us, join us in helping provide a healthy and nutritious meals for ALL Michiganders at FeedMichigan.org – you may shop the most requested food items or donate directly. Every $1 provides 5 meals.
Nothing of significance ever happens alone. We are thankful for the founders of the Michigan Harvest Gathering, Bill and Cynthia Schuette. The idea of a statewide food and funds drive to benefit the Food Bank Council of Michigan and our network started over their kitchen table.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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Did you know that 48% of Americans watch on average more than six hours of television per week? 26% watch more than twelve hours per week. Whoa! That’s a lot of sitting.
We only have one handful of life and it should be invested and spent. We should be a part of something that is BIGGER than we are and last longer than we do. A person that embodies this philosophy of investing and spending her one handful of life is Paula Cunningham, state director of AARP of Michigan.
Tune in this Sunday for Food First Michigan at 9 PM to hear Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Paula discuss her passion for making sure no senior citizen struggles with the stress of food insecurity.
Paula has led a college [Lansing Community College], a bank [Capital National Bank], and now stands in the gap for senior citizens across Michigan. Paula recently joined the Board of Directors for the Food Bank Council of Michigan – her work and passion align perfectly with ours and she is part of the SOLUTION! Paula is driven by principles, integrity, and trust. She believes senior citizens need to be able to live their lives with dignity, respect, and choices.
AARP of Michigan was an integral partner in creating and distributing Senior Quarantine Boxes during the height of the pandemic as along with our partners at MDHHS, Area Agencies on Aging, and the Michigan Community Service Commission. The entire state came together to address the dire circumstances that seniors were facing. Neighbors helping neighbors.
Paula is a dynamic influencer and person – she is ready to work and get the job done! With people like Paula standing alongside of us, food insecurity can be solved! Our food bank network strives to make a difference by putting and keeping #FoodFirst!
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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Influencing the influencers, decision makers, and policy makers who have great influence over our lives, community, and culture is imperative work. Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, were on Mackinac Island last week for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference and sharing our work with the masses. Tune in for First Michigan this Sunday on WJR Radio at 9 PM to hear how Phil and Gerry are igniting people’s passion about our purpose while meeting with some pertinent influencers: Dr. Genord, president and CEO of the Health Alliance Plan [HAP]; Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson; and, Ginna Holmes, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission [MCSC].
Phil, Gerry, and Dr. Genord discuss Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need – if our first basic needs [air, water, and food] are unmet, we are unable to go to the next level of development and attainment. Once “food is first,” hunger is able to come off of the table, and people are able to focus on their next successes. But, when you’re hungry, you only have ONE problem. Healthy and nutritious food is an empowerment for those that we serve.
Secretary of State Benson dreamt to empower those who had previously not been involved in the democratic process and that dream has come true! Michigan had the best voter turnout in its history in 2020 – that is powerful! The Michigan Secretary of State’s offices are removing barriers, such as transportation, and meeting people where they are at by having mobile offices throughout the state. Onward and upward!
Not all heroes wear capes. Ginna Holmes is a small town farm girl who grew up with the strong mentality of “neighbors help neighbors,” and it shows throughout her career path. Ginna’s commitment to help others is not lost on us and we are so grateful to have been able to partner with her and the commission throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis. Ginna also shares the MCSC’s new campaign, Michigan Heroes Project. The project is striving to archive the stories of what we accomplished together, but also inspire others to begin their hero journey. To learn more and / or submit a Michigan Hero that you know, visit https://miheroesproject.org. Our very own, Dr. Phil Knight, has been nominated as a Michigan Hero as he uses his one handful of life on creating a food secure state for his fellow Michiganders.
Join our movement by igniting your purpose and keeping #FOODFIRST!
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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Tune in for Food First Michigan on WJR Radio this Sunday at 9:00 PM to hear Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, discuss how as the economy reengages, the role food banks will have in assisting people as they lift themselves out of poverty..
Traditionally and historically, food banking has used a need-based messaging to tell the story of our work and the families that we serve. However, during this once-in-a-century public health crisis, the U.S. and state governments have responded by creating programs and enacting legislation which has helped lift many families out of poverty. Advocacy surrounding SNAP, P-EBT, TEFAP, Trade Mitigation, the Child Tax Credit, and more has played an important role in driving food insecurity rates downward to the lowest rates in 40+ years.
Now, what’s our message? How does the food bank network pivot to address the current level of need and should we expect the current situation to last? This is an unprecedented opportunity in the Michigan food bank network’s history. Understanding the measure of food insecurity and the lived experiences of our clients are critical for us to go to the next level of food security statewide.
Whether you are pre-pandemic, during-the-pandemic, post-pandemic – if you are worried about where your next meal is coming from, you only have ONE problem. WE are a large part of the long-term solution to creating food security. When hunger is truly taken off the table for people, they are able to focus on finding their next SUCCESS!
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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Knowledge is power.
This weekend Dr. Stephen Borders, Associate Professor of Public Health Sciences / Director of Health Administration at Coastal Carolina University joins Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank on Food First Michigan. Tune in on WJR Radio Sunday at 9:00 PM to hear how Dr. Borders is helping our food bank network use the Geographic Informational Systems [GIS] and analytics to not just do more, but do BETTER!
Steve is a hunger champion and continues to stand in the gap for the families we serve. He is helping the FBCM network rise to new levels by thinking differently than we have in the past. He is helping us acquire knowledge about our work, the families we serve, and the communities we serve them in.
We must figure out not only how to provide “more” food, but BETTER food. In addition, we must grow in our understanding of barriers to accessing food. There is A LOT for us to learn as we continue to grow in our work, but it would not be possible without the data and knowledge behind it.
Knowledge is power and it IS powerful. The more we know the more we can discern, discover, and develop ideas that create positive solutions. Data, analytics, research, pilot projects are all part of our scientific approach to creating a food secure Michigan.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” -George Santayana
“Only look back to see how far you have come.”
This week’s guest applies both of these concepts in her book, “Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries: New Tools to End Hunger.” Tune in for Food First Michigan this Sunday at 9 PM to hear Dr. Phil, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Dr. Katie Martin, executive director of Foodshare Institute Hunger Research and Solutions discuss her book and how she is helping shape the food bank network so we have the ability to better position ourselves to solve hunger by creating food security. Not only is Katie an author, she is a fellow food banker, and a Ph.D. researcher – a true thought leader!
Katie is calling for change and providing a knowledgeable guide on how to do so – building on what we have and learning to do and be better. It simply takes more than food to solve hunger. Some of the non-negotiables that Katie shares toward the end of her book as well as discussed on the show are of the following:
Emergency to empowerment; Sympathy to empathy; Pounds of food to nutritional quality of food; Embarrassment to engagement; Communication to collaboration.
Michigan shares ALL of these values listed above. The #1 goal across the Michigan food bank network, is to ensure that every Michigander in need has adequate access to healthy and nutritious food in dignified means. Scott Piggott, CEO of Michigan Farm Bureau [a repeat guest and fellow thought leader] shared with Phil that people don’t fear change, they fear loss. Perhaps this is what holds organizations back from believing they’re capable of more. ALL of us can do A LOT by keeping #FOODFIRST!
To purchase / learn more about “Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries: New Tools to End Hunger.” https://amzn.to/3h69sPS
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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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.
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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
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“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.
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Hunger is not bigger than we are, it is not better than we are, and it is not beyond us to solve.
This weekend on Food First Michigan we welcome Dominick Pallone, the executive director of the Michigan Association of Health Plans. Join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Dominick to discuss the intersection of food insecurity and healthcare from the payer’s perspective.
The Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) represents their member health plans who together provide coverage for more than 3 million Michiganders. Addressing the social determinants of health, including food insecurity, is a key part of promoting overall population health. There is a significant role that food can play in healthcare, both as a preventive measure and as treatment.
The social determinants of health, including food insecurity, will be addressed in the 36th annual MAHP Summer Conference. Michigan solutions to food insecurity will be highlighted in a session presented by Dr. Phil Knight, Dr. Dawn Opel, and Lewis Roubal with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Hunger as a daily challenge or food insecurity as a lifestyle are comingled with the challenges associated with poverty. They are difficult problems, but they CAN be solved when we do MORE and BETTER together.
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
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This weekend on Food First Michigan Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, are doing a 2nd round of myth busting surrounding hunger and food insecurity. Tune in on Saturday at 5:00 AM or Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or Newstalk 760 AM.
Myths can be true, but are often less accurate and can lead to a mischaracterization of the subject. [To get caught up on last week’s episode discussing myths #1 - #4 – listen here https://soundcloud.com/foodfirstmi/myth-busting]
Myth #5 is that hunger is in America is not a real crisis [this is clearly a myth believed by someone who is not hungry]. On average, 10.5% of the American population [relatively 35,000,000 people] struggles with food insecurity. Out of the top 12 jobs in Michigan, only one of them paid a living wage – this is unacceptable! To learn more about what it truly takes to be self-sufficient, check out our Self-Sufficiency Standard: https://bit.ly/3hYyt1K.
Myth #6 is that hunger may exist somewhere else, but it does not exist in my community. People often do not admit that they are food insecure, they WANT to be self-sufficient. On average, a food insecure person misses 5 meals a week. Hunger IS in our community and we have to take care of the people who are going through it.
Myth #7 is that food from food banks is a “stop a gap” and it never really changes anything. Clients having access to healthy and nutritious food enables and empowers them to manage their monthly trade-offs better. Feeding people today does more than “stop a gap,” it helps them overcome the immediate crisis in their lives.
The biggest commodity that the Food Bank Council of Michigan and our 7 member food banks trade in on is not t food, it is HOPE and TRUST! People trust that food from our food banks will be highly nutritious and safe. Food has a tremendous ability to communicate value.
Creating generalizations based on assumptions is dangerous, it creates misinformation and produces one of the biggest challenges facing us as we strive to create a hunger-free community.
It is hard to solve a problem if you are denying the truth.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on @ApplePodcasts, or @iHeartRadio.
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This weekend Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, are busting myths surrounding hunger and food insecurity. Tune in for Food First Michigan Saturday at 11:00 PM or Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio to hear common myths…busted!
Myth #1 is that most people who are food insecure are also experiencing homelessness. According to Feeding America, of those who utilize the food bank network, 49% are employed, 24% are children, 19% are seniors, and only 6% are experiencing homelessness. The solution to food insecurity changes when we understand who exactly we are serving.
Myth #2 is that providing food does not address the root cause of hunger. When you are hungry, you only have ONE problem. Providing food to meet the immediate need provides the foundation for further successes. Providing food is a critical piece of addressing the root causes of hunger.
Myth #3 is that SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the best solution to food insecurity, for everyone. SNAP is important, effective, and has been proven to reduce poverty. However, many eligible for SNAP choose not to enroll, for a variety of reasons. We need a multifaceted solution to food insecurity that works for everyone.
Myth #4 is about parents in need and their children. According to Michigan Self Sufficiency Standard data, of the 10 jobs in Michigan that employ the most people, only 1 pays a living wage. Many parents work hard at multiple jobs without benefits and are still unable to feed their children after paying for rent, utilities, and other living expenses. The issue is not a lack of responsibility or care from parents, it is a lack of FOOD.
We must listen to learn, not simply to respond. Aristotle reportedly said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” A developed mind is able to listen and learn from someone with whom they disagree.
Tune in to hear myths and misunderstandings surrounding food insecurity… BUSTED. 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
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“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed, that’s all who ever have.” -Margaret Mead
Food insecurity is in YOUR neighborhood. It is everywhere. Sometimes it is plainly evident, but sometimes it is not so easily seen. NO ONE deserves to be food insecure, or to wonder what they will feed their children tomorrow. Not in America, certainly not in Michigan, and especially not in House District 40 served by State Representative Mari Manoogian. Tune in for Food First Michigan on WJR Radio this Sunday at 12 AM or 9 PM to hear Dr. Phil Knight Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Representative Manoogian discuss how she is investing her “one handful of life.”
Representative Manoogian is serving her second term in the Michigan House of Representatives and cares deeply about food security - particularly for children, seniors, and working families. It is a passion born in her out of compassion for people. Representative Manoogian discusses “the last mile,” – which is typically a phrase only food bankers understand. Our food bank network is comprised of almost 3,000 agencies, most being local food pantries, which are essential to “last mile” efforts. The “last mile” are often volunteers doing the right thing because it’s the right thing. They are providing dignified experiences to the people we serve and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude for that service.
Food brings HOPE, stability, empowerment, health, and economic value to a home. It is delivered with hands, hands that bring HOPE.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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Do you believe that food security is solvable?
Food security is not just a Michigan challenge, it is a global one. Global estimates state that by 2050, there will be 9.7 billion people in the world, and we will require approximately 70% more food than what we consume now. The SOLUTION to meet these needs requires a cross-sector approach with an emphasis on food loss and waste; including analyzing consumption of food purchased and distributed, and agriculture productivity with metrics of the impact on global climate and the environment.
There is NO other way; the challenge both locally and globally is too big to overcome without cross-sector collaboration.
This week we are accompanied by the famous author, NPR podcast host of “Serving up Science” and instiller of positive change, Sheril Kirshenbaum. Sheril’s work focuses on addressing food security challenges while looking at how climate change impacts food availability. To hear more about the work, be sure to watch “Power Trip: The Story of Energy” on PBS {https://amzn.to/3qJIbG8}.
Be mindful of our future.
We are not doing enough in terms of how we produce and use food. However, there is hope. There are signs that technologies and attitudes are evolving to address these challenges, which warrants optimism for where food is headed. The challenges we face, though daunting, should not prevent us from optimism for the future!
The Michigan food bank network’s challenge is to CREATE positive change in the world of the families who deal with the toxic stress of food insecurity. More people are rallying around the cause, and we are gaining momentum to overcome this challenge. Join us by keeping #FOODFIRST!
The pandemic is [finally] subsiding, vaccinations are rising, and the saying “back to normal” is heard with prevalence. Applying what we have learned about ourselves and food security across our communities begins with understanding that prior to the pandemic, that there were 1.3 million food insecure Michiganders. The number skyrocketed to close to 2 million people amid the pandemic, but has been decreasing over the past few months. For those 1.3 million Michiganders who were struggling with food insecurity prior to the pandemic, “back to normal” really does not have much appeal. Their return to normal is tradeoffs every month between utilities, rent, food, medicine, transportation, and other life necessities. Who wants that? No one!
Tune in for Food First Michigan with Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, on WJR Radio at 9 PM to hear their ideal of a “new normal and BEYOND!” Let’s go back to normal and beyond – taking what we have learned, applying it, and building the future.
We often discuss the safety net designed to help “catch” those who need it. However, we find that there are policies within the safety net that are counterproductive to helping people find success and become self-sufficient. Work supports are designed to help people live independently. Examples include food assistance, housing assistance, and childcare. However, by the time one earns approximately $13 / hour, they become ineligible for many of these supports. We drop people off of a financial cliff and de-incentivize work. This MUST change!
Albert Einstein wisely said, “We can’t solve problems with the same kind of thinking that we used to create them.” While we did not create the pandemic, food security is a manmade problem. We need to think DIFFERENT, BETTER, & TOGETHER!
Let’s glean from our shared experiences, pool our resources, partner with purpose, and provide solutions by thinking differently than when we created the problem. Let’s start by keeping #FOODFIRST!
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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“A big business starts small.” - Richard Branson Tune in for Food First Michigan with Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Rob Fowler, CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), tonight at 11 PM or tomorrow at 9 PM on WJR Radio. Rob is no stranger to excellence and growth as he has led SBAM to major growth over the past 21 years. SBAM started with approximately 5,000 members and has since grown to 30,000 members! Rob recently announced his retirement and shared his excitement for Brian Calley, president of SBAM, to become the new CEO as well. Rob has dedicated a large portion of his life to standing in the gap for the families who own small businesses, specifically aiming to be the voice of small businesses amid the pandemic. With Michigan being the 5th most expensive state for childcare, parents were put in an even harder place than they already were to begin with. Phil, Gerry, and Rob delve into the benefits cliff, the Self-Sufficiency Standard for Michigan [https://bit.ly/3hYyt1K], and policy changes. The benefits cliff has been around for far too long. It did not arise due to the pandemic and the pandemic has heightened its impact on Michiganders. Wouldn’t it be tremendous if work supports, food, childcare, and housing actually supported work? Instead, we de-incentivize work with policies currently in place. When people are finally able to earn $13 / hour, they become ineligible for work supports, but are still $6 - $8 away from being self-sufficient. SBAM has stood strong and firmly on work supports and helping the families that are impacted. The first step out of poverty is food security; you cannot focus on solving any other toxic stressors if you are not well fed. George Washington Carver’s quote, “No one has the right to come into this world and go out of it without leaving behind him or her a distinct and legitimate reason for having passed through it,” embodies Rob. Although Rob is retiring, we have no doubt that he will continue to go into the world and do good! Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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“Peace if possible, but truth at all costs.” –Martin Luther
Tune in for Food First Michigan on WJR Radio tonight at 9:00 PM to hear from Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Kim Trent, Deputy Director for Prosperity with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Kim also serves on the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities as well as the Michigan Food Security Council with our very own, Dr. Phil.
Kim is using her one handful of life and the extraordinary opportunity to shape, mold, and produce her impact on the world. She is a product of her time and chooses to act on the TRUTH! The COVID-19 pandemic has peeled back layers of disparities and put injustices on full display. While tragedy birthed the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, it enabled our state to acknowledge racial disparities and develop strategies to address them. The Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities is seizing the moment to ensure the lessons that we have learned amid the pandemic can lift people up outside the pandemic. To read the full report from the task force, click here https://bit.ly/3f2EJSG
Phil, Gerry, and Kim also delve into a candid conversation about the benefits cliff. 47% of people who seek food assistance have at least household member working one job, if not two or three. Many receiving benefits are AFRAID to say yes to economic mobility because it would make them ineligible to receive much needed assistance, NOT because they do not want to work hard and excel. If benefits recipients make too much their assistance is cut which can mean losing the ability to move onto their next success or to solve a crisis. We MUST address the benefits cliff in a meaningful way and lift people up.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put disparities on center state. Our job is to UNITE and create the personal will that will give us the political will to strip disparity of its power over us and remove its ability that blinds us. We must replace disparity with the light of EQUITY that promotes, provides, and empowers; thus creating access to the fundamental elements of life and guaranteeing they are available to EVERYONE, no matter their zip code.
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
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Barack Obama once said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. WE are the ones we’ve been waiting for. WE are the change we seek.” Dr. Dawn Opel, general counsel and director of research and strategic initiatives for the Food Bank Council of Michigan, is the change the council had been waiting for. Tune in to Food First Michigan on Sunday on WJR Radio at 9 PM, for one of the most impactful shows to date. Phil, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Dr. Dawn Opel, discuss a powerful project, the Grace Health Fresh Food Pharmacy. The Fresh Food Pharmacy project is uniting community based organizations with similar missions to have greater impact together. Grace Health is a Federally-Qualified Health Center [FQHC] that serves over 30,000 patients in Calhoun county and surrounding areas. Grace Health is focused on meeting the health care needs of underserved people in the community. The Food Bank Council of Michigan teamed up with South Michigan Food Bank and Grace Health to address food insecurity and encourage healthy lifestyles. Made possible by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, this six-month pilot program “prescribes” home-delivered healthy food boxes for Grace Health patients every two weeks. In addition, the program offers healthy lifestyle coaching, check-ins, and support for cooking and eating healthy foods. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” –Hippocrates. This is the truth and the ultimate motto for many. Treating chronic illnesses is a TRILLION dollar business and a lot of that stems from childhood and not having access to healthy and nutritious food. There’s no $ in preventative health, but there should be. We MUST do better. Don’t come along for the ride, come along for the journey and join the movement by keeping #FOODFIRST!
MASS means MORE!
MASS, Michigan Agricultural Surplus System, is a grant-funded program with the State of Michigan through the Food Bank Council of Michigan. Using the grant funding, we purchase ‘cosmetically challenged’ produce that Michigan farmers are unable to sell to large retailers. This type of produce has many names; Grade B, seconds, #2’s, and the uglies. While there is nothing wrong with the produce, it just is not ‘perfect’. MASS keeps produce from going to waste in landfills and has a phenomenal Return on Investment [ROI], with average costs ranging from 12 - 14 cents per pound.
Tune in for Food First Michigan on WJR Radio tonight at 9 PM with Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Stephanie Johnson, managing partner of Khoury Johnson Leavitt, to hear how the legislative budget process works, how the legislature views the MASS program, and how MASS will mean MORE this budget cycle – MORE for our farmers and the families we serve.
Michigan was the first state in the nation to create a program like this, with 25 – 30 other states following in our footsteps over the years. There is over 70 billion [yes, billion] pounds of food in the United States that is either grown and unharvested or harvested but not sold. We in turn have a surplus of food and waste, yet millions remain food insecure. The MASS program is a small piece to solving the puzzle of food insecurity. It is a win for everybody; the farmers, the environment, food banks, and most importantly, the families we serve!
FBCM is asking for an increase in the MASS line item to accommodate higher food insecurity rates and the loss of USDA food programs. An increase in the MASS line item will allow our food bank network to continue distributing #MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople in the months ahead. Help us succeed in this mission by keeping #FOODFIRST!
We are asking for a CALL TO ACTION: please contact your state legislator to share your support for the impactful MASS program line item! When you support the MASS program, you support Michigan family farms.
Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.
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When is a charity more than a charity? Charities that move beyond their charitable mandates multiply their influence, impact, and create sustainable sources of revenue that can take their effectiveness to a whole new level. The next frontier for greater impact in the work of food security is in the massive world of healthcare.
Pamela Yager, the director of social mission at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, joins the conversation this weekend on Food First Michigan. Tune in Saturday, April 17th at 5:00 AM or Sunday, April 18th at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM.
Social mission guides the way Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan does business. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has a history of a commitment to addressing the social determinants of health including through free clinics and their Building Healthy Communities program. Pam sees the potential of a partnership that goes beyond charity and how it could benefit patients, populations, and payers – a partnership that would further the mission of healthcare and charitable organizations, like food banks.
Pam is the co-chair of the healthcare workgroup on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Food Security Council which is asking important questions on the role of healthcare in creating a food secure state. The workgroup is evaluating current programs like prescription for health and food as medicine initiatives to determine which are most effective. The workgroup is also exploring the role Medicaid could play in improving access to food.
Solving hunger requires the participation of all stakeholders. We thank Pam for investing her one handful of life in this mission and for making a difference in creating a food secure state. The future is bright and full of potential for the blending of food security and healthcare.
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
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Solving hunger starts in the field; it starts with farmers, families, and the seeds they plant that feed us all. Our farmers make Michigan the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state in the nation. According to Feeding America, we have approximately 50 million residents who are food insecure nationwide, with approximately 2 million of those people being Michigan residents. Over 100 Michigan farmers partner with the Food Bank Council of Michigan and our food bank network to ensure families have access to healthy and nutritious food through our MASS [Michigan Agricultural Surplus System] program. MASS funding allows the food banks to purchase the “uglies,”the #2’s, grade B produce – whatever you may call it, from Michigan farmers at a low cost and distribute throughout their pantries. Michigan was the first to have this program and now 38 states have followed in our footsteps. MASS is one of the most successful programs across our food bank network and has an extremely high return on investment. Tune in for Food First Michigan on WJR Radio this Sunday at 2:00 PM and hear from one of our influential potato farmers, Erwin Styma. Erwin runs Styma Potato Farm, a four generation farm, in Posen, MI. His team ships approximately 1,470,000 pounds of potatoes to the food bank system each season. Erwin discusses the impact that they are striving to make with their fellow Michiganders through the MASS program. Several United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)programs that were supplying the food bank network with food during the COVID-19 pandemic have since been cut and stopped. There is an exponential shortage of food from USDA, but the lines at the pantries and distributions are long and will be for the foreseeable future. Solving hunger for children and creating food security for seniors is, and should always remain a nonpartisan issue. Join the movement by keeping #FOODFIRST!
An exigent circumstance is defined as an emergency situation requiring swift action to prevent imminent danger to life, serious damage to property, the destruction of evidence, or the escape of a suspect. What if we applied the term and definition of exigent circumstances to childhood hunger, or senior citizens experiencing food insecurity?
Join Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, this weekend on Food First Michigan as they break down the exigent circumstances surrounding food security in Michigan. Tune in Saturday at 11:00 PM or Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM.
At times of crisis, meeting the immediate need and relieving the immediate suffering of the community is essential. The American Rescue Plan includes an extension of the 15% increase in SNAP benefits through September 30th, 2021, extends Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits for the duration of the health emergency, provides $880 million to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and $37 million for senior nutrition through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). This act will provide much needed support for struggling households.
We must be realistic – not optimistic or pessimistic as we work to build a permanent safety net that works for everyone who needs it. Michigan is slated to receive about 10 billion dollars which then must be appropriated by the Michigan legislature within the specified time frame. The stakes are high and basic needs like food must not be used as a political bargaining chip.
There are as many as 50 million people in America who are food insecure. We can bring this number down, together. We cannot let temporary relief take the place of permanent structural change that must take place. If children without food is not an exigent circumstance requiring immediate action, we do not know what is - which is why we will continue to keep #FOODFIRST.
Who wins when we win? This question drives our efforts when we discern who our partners are in our effort to create a food secure state.
Tune in to hear Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell this Saturday at 12:00 AM or Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM! During the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for emergency food was at its peak Director McDowell and his team searched high and low for food for the Michigan food bank network.. Director McDowell thoroughly discusses just how fragile our food supply system is and how the pandemic shined a light on it.
Director McDowell and his fellow Directors of State Agriculture Departments are members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture [NASDA] and have set an audacious goal of ending hunger in the U.S.! To learn more https://bit.ly/3kNfXbH. They made a promise to uphold their duty to grow and enhance American agriculture to help nourish people and their communities.
While there is a lot of work to do reach food security, there are many people committed to achieving the goal! We say it often - solving hunger starts in the field. The farmers of Michigan have stood alongside of us to get #MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople. Hunger will NOT wait for policy change, we must do our part NOW; join the movement and help us create #FoodSecurity!
When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.
The vision of a food secure state drives the Food Bank Council of Michigan [FBCM] and our 7 Feeding America food banks’ purpose, mission, and goals. One of the ways that FBCM and our network strive to accomplish this is through resource management, including reducing food waste.
Did you know 72 BILLION pounds of food is wasted annually in the United States? This costs us $218 BILLION yearly [yes, with a ‘B’] and accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If food waste were a country, it would be the 3rd highest emitter of greenhouse gasses after the United States and China. We MUST do better.
Tune in for Food First Michigan on WJR Radio this Saturday at 11:00 PM and / or Sunday at 9:00 PM. to hear from our fervent guest, Rachel Hurst, corporate affairs manager and spokesperson for Kroger Co. Kroger is determined to keep food on the table and out the landfill with their Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative. Their social impact plan is their commitment to end hunger in our communities and eliminate waste across their company by 2025. Rachel’s passion and commitment is driving this important work forward!
We are a nation of plenty, yet 40% of our food goes to waste and 1 in 5 children are food insecure. In order to solve food insecurity, we must do MORE and BETTER! One of the truest tests of leadership is creating POSITIVE change. We can do this by reducing food waste; this is a powerful tool to help end hunger and help save the planet. Join our movement by keeping #FOODFIRST.
The smallest steps in the right direction sometimes end up being the biggest and most important steps of your life.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, leads the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to creating food security. Tune in for @Food First Michigan on @WJR Radio to hear from Claire, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of @Gleaners Community Food Bank, on Sunday at 12:00 AM or 9:00 PM.
Claire is a leader among leaders. She exudes kindness and humbleness through the microphone. A Louisiana native, Claire has respected the act of serving others from a young age. Her parents partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to help create a food secure community by distributing food out of their home. Claire knows that she was put in places for a REASON; if she listens and opens her mind and heart to service, she will find a path to value. The value is in the work of creating a food secure nation.
Hunger is NOT a partisan or bipartisan issue, it is nonpartisan. Creating food security is something we can ALL agree on! Governor Gretchen Whitmer has committed to making Michigan a food secure state and addressing inequities by creating the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, the Michigan Poverty Task Force, and the Food Security Council – chaired by Dr. Phil Knight. We are writing a new playbook and we WILL solve food insecurity – join us by keeping #FOODFIRST.
Who cares about food insecurity for children, senior citizens, working families, veterans, and community members with disabilities? We care, and so does Food First Michigan listener Doug Oberski.
This week Doug joins the conversation with Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank. Tune in this Sunday at 12:00 AM or 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM.
Doug grew up in a tight-knit farming community close to family and went on to graduate from Western Michigan University. Doug discusses how eye-opening and humbling it is to witness hunger in your own community. He reminds us that charity starts at home – by taking care of our neighbors.
One of the highlights that Doug recalls from his time listening to Food First was the conversation with Dr. Robert Bouvier, MD on the connection between access to nutritious food and medicine. Community members with serious health concerns frequently seek emergency food from the Michigan food bank network to help manage their conditions.
The Michigan food bank network strives to ensure all community members in Michigan’s 83 counties have access to healthy, nutritious food. Food insecurity has touched the lives of many and it is our job to care. Join the movement to create a food secure state by listening to Food First Michigan each week and by subscribing on Apple podcasts.
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If there is a Goliath in front of you, that means there is a David inside of you.
Join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of @Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Juan Escareño, director of government relations & community outreach at Midwest Independent Retailers Association on @Food First Michigan, Sunday at 9:00 PM on @WJR Radio.
Juan understands the connection between food, business, and community. He grew up where food is centric and is always rooting for the little guys, the Davids. His family owned two grocery stores and where he worked 7 days per week. Juan is also part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Food Security Council. His biggest hope for the council is to instill concrete policy changes that will impact the food chain in a positive way – including more local buying and sourcing, as well as resources for those who want to create such infrastructure.
Carrie Calvert, Vice President of Government Relations at Feeding America, also joined the show to provide an update on the latest from Washington D.C. The United States Congress wants to provide economic stimulus, while also prioritizing economic recovery.
Without hard work, the only thing that grows is weeds. Without attention and intention, the only thing that grows is again, weeds. Weeds rob good things of the opportunity to grow. Access to healthy and nutritious food will give a child a chance to grow, learn, and develop into what they have the potential to be. Food is not the only thing a child will need, but they certainly cannot develop without it. That is why we are working to keep #FOODFIRST.
“The food insecure cannot wait. Talk is fine. Discussion is fine. But we MUST respond.” - Representative John Lewis
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is choosing to respond with action. In August, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 167, creating the Food Security Council (FSC). She was concerned for those struggling with food insecurity inside and outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. The council was formed to focus on formulating a cohesive, collaborative, and actionable plan for achieving food security for all of Michigan residents, both during the pandemic, and thereafter.
The FSC was directed to prepare and submit an initial report with short-term findings and recommendations related to food insecurity and COVID-19. The FSC Initial Report documented everything we learned throughout the pandemic and why it is vital to permanently take hunger off the table.
To read the full Food Security Council Initial Report click here https://bit.ly/3omHbWY
When we put and keep #FOODFIRST, we will have better educational outcomes, better health outcomes, and better workforce potential as we move forward.
When a breach occurs and a gap is created. More often than not, it is filled with brave men and women who CHOOSE to stand in that gap.
We need people to come alongside of us and the people we serve to stand in the gap for families experiencing food insecurity. Representative Angela Witwer does just that.
Representative Witwer ran for public office to serve Michigan’s 71st District to stand in the gap for children, seniors and working families. She consistently puts PEOPLE over PARTY. We need this example of leadership now more than ever. Not only does she serve the 71st District, she was also nominated by the Minority House Leader to serve on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s appointed Food Security Council. She is convinced that food insecurity is a solvable problem and is committed to seeing that hunger comes off the table. Click here to read the Food Security Council’s Initial Report https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/FSC_Initial_Report_v6_712638_7.pdf
While there is a price to be paid to stand in the gap for the causes and the people that she serves, Representative Witwer has faith that there will be peaceful power again. When it all boils down, we must do the work and do what is truly right for the people!
We must continue to help people where they are, not where we want them to be. We need YOU to continue to stand WITH us, our 7 Feeding America food banks in Michigan, and all 208 Feeding America food banks across the nation. Stand in the gap with us by helping keep #FOODFIRST!
Not all heroes wear capes; some wear scrubs or drive forklifts.
This week’s show lifts up our heroes; the men and women of America’s food banks. Michigan’s seven Feeding America food banks serve all 83 counties. They show up to make sure senior citizens, children, and families who need food, get some. They rise each day with the mindset of helping their fellow Michiganders in need, often putting their own health at risk.
They rise early and stay late.
They sort, package and deliver to all who need it. They have made it possible for the Michigan food bank network to distribute 50% more food than prior to the pandemic, and sometimes it still isn’t enough.
They serve. They give. And, they have done so every day of the pandemic with distinction and honor.
Pat Riley said it perfectly, “Hard times don’t create heroes, it is during the hard times that the hero within us is revealed.”
The food bank network teams continue to stand in the gap to make sure food gets to families who need it so they can find relief from the toxic stress of food insecurity. Our heroes wear food bank shirts, not capes, but maybe they should be wearing capes afterall. THEY are keeping #FOODFIRST!
The wait and the hope. People wait in food distribution lines for HOURS with the hope that there is enough to go around. The trailers hold approximately 44,000 pounds of food and sometimes that just isn’t enough for the number of people in need. In order to understand people’s truths, we have to know their stories. People often think that those who need our help do not try, but in reality, those who need our help typically wait too long because they are deeply committed to solving their problems themselves. Did you know that 47% of the people we serve are employed?
Dr. Luke Shaefer, this week’s insightful guest, set out to understand those who are trapped in poverty and held captive by food insecurity. Dr. Shaefer wears many hats - he is the Director for the Poverty Solutions Center, a professor at the University of Michigan, and serves as a Special Counselor for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to Director Gordon and Lewis Roubal, Chief Deputy Director for Opportunity at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Poverty is often the result of several interlinked systems that do not function as they should for struggling families. Understanding the impact one section at a time enables one to understand the system in a more comprehensive way and effectively help more people.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our food banks are distributing record amounts of food to families in need... Within every box of food, there is HOPE. The power of taking hunger off the table is demonstrated in the freeing of people’s minds of the toxic stress of food insecurity and allows them to focus on their successes and what could be.
Hunger is a challenge in our society that can unite us. If we keep people interested in solving this problem, we will create a food secure state.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” - Plato
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest public health crisis of the CENTURY, our seven Feeding America food banks are getting #MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople than ever before in all of Michigan’s 83 counties. We have more food than ever to distribute, a tremendous amount of which comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) yet 2 million Michiganders who still do not know where their next meal is coming from.
Tonight’s show is impactful beyond measure. Tune in to hear from community members who are accessing emergency food resources and getting help through dignified means. Individuals accessing food that is provided by our food banks are not just numbers - they are people and they matter. Their stories are driven by the commodity cliff that our food banks are facing in the new year. In the new year, our network will no longer have access to 30-50% of the food provided by USDA commodity programs that contributed to the product distributed during this time of elevated need.
There are so many stories to be told. Our fellow Michiganders deserve our help; they are OUR neighbors. Our work is critical and it is important that we come together during this time of dire need.Please help our seven Feeding America food banks by visiting FeedMichigan.org. Our network will continue to serve those who needed us before the pandemic, every person who comes to us for the first time during the pandemic, and we will continue to serve those who need us after the pandemic is over
COVID-19 has posed major challenges for all and we are all tired of it, but it’s impact rages on – and so do our food bankers.
The level of childhood food insecurity was unacceptable prior to the pandemic, and is absolutely disturbing now. The number of food insecure children in Michiganhas almost doubled since March. In early March, there were approximately 300,000 food insecure children living in our state, now there are more than 600,000. How do we know this? We know this because of the life work of our guest, Dr. Craig Gundersen. Dr. Gundersen is an ACES Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign as well as the creator and researcher of Map the Meal Gap (MTMG). Map the Meal Gap is one of the primary tools used by the Feeding America network to understand who is food insecure in our nation and in our state.
To view the 2020 food insecurity projections, visit: https://www.feedingamericaaction.org/the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-food-insecurity/
We are grateful for Dr. Gundersen’s work and how he is choosing to invest his one handful of life. His work concentrates on the causes and consequences of food insecurity and the evaluation of food assistance programs with an emphasis on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps).
Food insecurity is the leading healthcare crisis in terms of nutrition in our country. Serious healthcare costs associated with food insecurity are estimated to cost the nation $600 billion (this estimation accounts just for adults). Also covered in Sunday’s edition of Food First is a discussion on Gleaners Community Food Bank’s studies on the impact of food insecurity on education as well as the impact of delivering groceries to families while schools are closed.
If we want to make systemic change within our work, we must focus on and support those with disabilities (physical, mental and emotional), support our food bank network, and expand SNAP eligibility requirements while increasing benefit amounts.
Who needs help? How much help do they need? And, for how long? We must provide insight, understanding, knowledge and eventually wisdom in order to create solutions. While doing so, we must keep #FOODFIRST!
Who wins when we win? Families, education, businesses, and healthcare. Who loses when we lose? All of the same people, groups, and communities.
Hunger is expensive and is estimated to cost the economy BILLIONS in tax revenue and BILLIONS more in programming. The biggest toll is lost potential - including each child who never develops mentally, physically, and emotionally due to the lack of access to healthy and nutritious food.
Tune in this evening at 9 p.m. with Dr. Phil and Gerry Brisson, CEO and President of @Gleaners community Food Bank to hear from an astounding thought leader, Dr. Delicia Pruitt, MD., the Medical Director for the Saginaw County Health Department, a practicing physician, and a member of Governor Whitmer’s Food Security Council. Dr. Pruitt understands the cost doing something and doing nothing regarding food security.
Food insecurity played a role in Dr. Pruitt’s life before it became part of her career. Her father began medical school later in life which limited their 10 person household to one income. As a single income household, Dr. Pruitt’s family experienced the unpredictability of food insecurity. . Her family fought through and achieved their goals. Eleven years later they began practicing medicine TOGETHER and not long after that they opened a practice together. Their story is inspirational.
Dr. Pruitt is one of the many who are making a different to the seemingly insurmountable problem of food security. She will do the next thing until she can’t do anymore. She is making a difference and so are we. Let’s continue to make to a difference by keeping #FOODFIRST!
People are an organization’s greatest and most appreciable asset.
Tune in this evening with Dr. Phil, Gerry Brisson, President and CEO of @gleaners community food bank and Dr. Dawn Opel, Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives for the @food bank council of Michigan. Dawn is one of FBCM’s most appreciated and appreciable assets. She wears many hats, most recently, she became licensed to practice law in Michigan and now serves as FBCM’s General Counsel.
You aren’t capable of change if you continue to do the same thing over and over. Ergo, Dawn. In our network, a strategic initiative is any work that innovates the work of food banking. Social innovation, building new systems, and creating partnerships across sectors to further the mission and improve the health and well-being of Michiganders.
Phil, Gerry and Dawn delve into our new pilot, a Text-Based Platform, the purpose of data, and the far-reaching implications of food banking we are capable of. The Text-Based platform collects the client’s registration and check-in information at mobile food distributions. Coming to a distribution is a vulnerable time for people and we want them to feel safe, secure and dignified. We want people to who are need to feel more, not less. We want to give them a hand up, not a handout. When you see a client at a food distribution do not see a person in need, anyone can see that. See someone worthy of investing in. Look longer and see past their immediate problems and see their potential.
Most of us want to make a difference in the world, do big things and make an impact. If you want to truly add value, you must intentionally invest your one handful of life in things that are bigger than you are and will last longer than you do.
At the Food Bank Council of Michigan, we know that elections MATTER!
According to recent data, food insecurity rates have gotten far worse these past few months due to the pandemic. The need is great. Winter is coming and the food supply is lessening from the USDA. If Congress and our legislature do not co-create an emergency declaration of additional support for emergency food, increase in SNAP allotments and P-EBT, this winter will be long and cold.
Tune in this evening at 9 p.m. as Carrie Calvert, Vice President of Government Relations with Feeding America, defines the new reality. The people we serve at or on the edge of making ends meet and have been for quite some time. The Michigan food bank network is now distributing almost 50% more food to hungry Michiganders each week. At this time of unprecedented need, United States Department of Agriculture programs that provide much needed food and support for our network are ending, resulting in a 50% reduction in USDA food for our network to distribute. It’s hard to imagine waiting until January for additional relief – millions of people aren’t back at work, the COVID-19 cases are rising as well as food insecurity.
We are asking USDA to proactively purchase any U.S. grown / produced commodity to provide market support during this stressful time for our nation’s growers and producers, and in turn, distribute it through the food banks.
Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, has a painting of a red barn in his office with, “Do right and feed EVERYBODY” written on it. We have high hopes that he continues to act in the spirit of that statement, and makes the right choices to support farmers, growers and the food bank network to distribute this food.
COVID-19 has dealt us a tough blow; more food insecure children, seniors and families than we have seen in a long time. We have been set back, but forward we march. WE FIGHT ON!
As always, help us keep #FOODFIRST!
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” - St. Francis
We need YOUR help to do the impossible. During COVID-19, the Michigan food bank network has been distributing an average of 4.5 million pounds of food per week. We are projecting the need to increase by 15% this winter, equating to 667,000 MORE pounds of food per week. The harsher weather and the long tail of the pandemic will certainly result in more challenges for the families we serve and our network. We Michiganders have grit, but the need is great!
Tune in this evening at 9 p.m. on @WJR radio to hear from the co-founder of the Michigan Harvest Gathering and Michigan’s 53rd Attorney General Bill Schuette. Bill and his wife Cynthia created the Michigan Harvest Gathering 30 years ago. The Michigan Harvest Gathering is an annual statewide campaign that raises food and funds for Michigan’s emergency food response. Within these 30 years we have raised $10,943,211 and collected 12,456,858 pounds of food, equating to 93,319,680 meals for our hungry neighbors. Our NEW interactive website allows community members to shop virtually for our network’s most needed items or make a general donation to MHG. There is a food gap and YOU can help is fill it at FeedMichigan.org.
Help hungry Michiganders weather this storm by keeping #FOODFIRST.
Vision is the idea of a better tomorrow.
During COVID-19, we have learned a lot about ourselves, our work and our impact. We have had abundant resources flow to our state in the form of food assistance with SNAP, Pandemic-EBT, unemployment benefits, school meals changing their models to grab-and-go, and our network distributing almost 5 million pounds of food each week. We have adapted and will continue to do so to help feed our hungry neighbors.
Tune in this evening to hear from Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, President and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank and Alex Canepa, State Policy Manager of Fair Food Network and a member of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Food Security Council. Alex is a thought leader and using his one handful of life to build out his vision of food security; a vision where farmers and those who work around agriculture and food processing, are able to generate community-level wealth.
While we live in one of the wealthiest places on Earth, a large percentage of our children are food insecure. We must figure out how to unlock the food chain enabling everyone, not just some, to access healthy and nutritious foods. We know our work has no value if we distribute food that people won’t eat; people need to be eating the food that they receive as well as enjoy it.
Change is part of existence – be the change you wish to see in the world. We are imperfect people, doing meaningful work with a vision of a better tomorrow.
Phil, Gerry, President and CEO of @gleaners community food bank, and the rest of the Michigan food bank network, have been changing the conversation and building a movement about food security for three years now. Tune in this evening on @wjr radio or News Talk 760 AM at 9 p.m. to hear what it will take for Michigan to go to the next level of effectiveness to create a food secure state; there are 5 levels and they are impactful.
Gerry’s mantra has always been, “You will never solve a problem that you do not think can be solved.” It makes complete sense; if you do not think you can complete something – what gives you the drive to do so? The Michigan food bank network believes that food security CAN be solved; do YOU? Here are five key components of moving Michigan to the next level of food security: 1. Food Waste: There is approximately 72 BILLION lbs. of food that is wasted per year – nationally, food banks capture 5 billion of those pounds. What if we captured 5 billion more pounds? 2. Feed the whole family: Grocery pick-up – families would have the OPTION to choose food that their family actually enjoys, which in turn, creates LESS food waste. 3. New sources of sustainable funding 4. Investment in a sustainable team 5. Healthcare: The better we take care of ourselves, the less costly healthcare is for EVERYONE!
NOTHING of significance happens ALONE! To go to the next level in any pursuit, there will be a price to be paid, a sacrifice to be given, a willingness that has to be shared. Join us by helping us KEEP FOOD FIRST!
Amid the pandemic, we have all been more cognizant about where our food comes from and if there will be enough. The food insecure struggle with these thoughts all the time. As we often say, when you’re hungry, you only have ONE problem.
This Sunday, join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Carl Bednarski, President of Michigan Farm Bureau for the 3rd and final part of the Intersection of Health Disparities and Food Security series.
The Farm Bureau Family of Companies which includes Michigan Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Insurance and its nearly 450 agents across the state, are all committed to finding solutions to end food insecurity and have been coming alongside of the food bank network for nine years. Food security is a passion, not a hobby, for the Farm Bureau Family of Companies.
They are community-centered, a backbone for their fellow Michiganders, and a company of purpose. Due to restaurants taking the brunt of COVID-19, they wanted to act; ergo, the “Helping Hands Program”. As a result of the pandemic people were driving less and there were less accidents which in turn saved Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan money; they chose to give those savings back to their communities. Agents identified restaurants in their own communities that were struggling to make ends meet and Family of companies donated $4,000 to each restaurant and asked them to support the “Helping Hands Program". They then gave their members $25 vouchers to spend at each restaurant. If the restaurants surpassed the $4,000, Farm Bureau Family of Companies encouraged them to send over the remainder of the bill. During these unprecedented times, this family of companies are doing unprecedented things to shine a light on their neighbors. They also stepped in and stepped up with the “Million Meal Challenge” at the beginning of the pandemic, raising $183,000 to provide 1.1 million meals to Michigan residents. They are the sponsor of Food First and are dedicated to being at the table and changing the conversation about food security.
Everything rises and falls on leadership, but nothing truly changes without relationships. We are grateful for the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies – they believed in us early and they continue to support our mission to create a food secure state.
Be sure to hug a farmer because solving hunger starts in the field. And, as always, FOOD FIRST!
"Health CANNOT be a question of income; it is a fundamental human right." Nelson Mandela
No parent should have to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table for their children. But, sadly they do. No one should be go hungry in the most 2nd agriculturally diverse state. But, sadly they do. Racial and health disparities are tightly interwoven with the lack of access to high quality healthcare and food insecurity.
Join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank and Dr. Robert Bouvier, MD. who is an Internal Medicine Specialist in Flint, MI as they discuss how to be a part of the solution, not the problem. This is Part II of a III part series about the intersection of health disparities and food security. Tune in at 10:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM.
“Food First” has been Dr. Bouvier's battle-cry for years, so much that it inspired the meaning behind this show. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (HON) food is one of the most important basic needs along with sleep and water. The HON is so fundamental in understanding ourselves and our needs that at some point virtually every other theory of social development attaches itself to Maslow.
If we take hunger OFF the table and meet the primary need of food security, our society changes for the positive! We do this by PUTTING and KEEPING FOOD FIRST!
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Hippocrates said it best, ”Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
This Sunday, join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank and Laurie Solotorow, Director of Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles of Michigan Health Endowment Fund! This is Part I of a 3 part series about the intersection of health disparities and food security. Tune in at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio NewsTalk 760 AM - you won't want to miss out!
Laurie and MHEF have come alongside of us for many of our pilots and projects throughout the years and is doing so once again; we are grateful for her passion in our mission. MHEF is funding a 2 year project that aims to improve the cost effectiveness of a food prescription program to free clinics in Michigan! The “big picture”behind this grant is “how can payers recognize that FOOD is MEDICINE?” Simple right?. This puzzle can be solved, we just have to put all the pieces together correctly.
Laurie understands food insecurity because she has witnessed it. Once you come face-to-face with a hungry child, it changes your life. It inspired her to use her one handful of life to make sure hunger comes off the table. Our work is hard, but deeply rooted her wonderful heart and soul.
“We MUST be the CHANGE we wish to see in the world.” Gandhi. The change is up to us - no one else!
As always, FOOD FIRST, folks!
'Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.' Misty Copeland
This Sunday, join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank and Carolyn Bloodworth, Executive Director of Corporate Giving of Consumers Energy on Food First Michigan! Carolyn is bringing HOPE to the conversation and is of great influence and an even greater heart.
'A true friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.' Carolyn was there FIRST. She was one of the first calls to Phil when the COVID-19 pandemic hit wanting to know what Phil and our food bank network needed. Soon thereafter, Consumers provided the network with $250,000 grant because they knew food was going to be an issue in months to come. She and the team at Consumers Energy, are creating positive change during consistent times of negativity.
Amid the pandemic, Consumers Energy made sure the stabilizing forces were there. Their team's safety and well-being was of utmost priority. They rallied together as Michiganders do by mobilizing team matching contribution programs, provided support for all of the Michigan Area United Ways, Senior quarantine boxes, and invested $1.8 million in Michigan small businesses. The list goes on. Carolyn is a champion. Not only is she a champion of our network, but she is a champion for her fellow Michiganders.
The food bank network is here. Here to stand up to the BULLY of food insecurity.
The 'perfect storm' is brewing and the 4th wave of the pandemic is coming. The wave of the indefinite - interwoven components of food insecurity that are threatening us like attributes of a catastrophic storm.
This Sunday, join Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson the President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank on Food First Michigan as they discuss the heavy weight of the 4th wave of the pandemic. They share how it will affect the Michigan food bank network, the National School Lunch Program and how U.S. Department of Agriculture is choosing to DECLINE waivers proposed by Senator Debbie Stabenow and State Superintendent Dr. Rice, allowing food banks to participate in the programs and make sure families are food secure during COVID-19.
It is common knowledge that a compromised immune system is one of the worst things to have during a global pandemic such as this, and having access to healthy and nutritious food is a CRITICAL component of keeping immune systems healthy.
We CANNOT treat the coming storm of food insecurity like it's bad weather.
We need more than alerts.
We need more than wishful thinking.
We NEED the truth!
'It's kind of fun to do the impossible.' Walt Disney
This Sunday, join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson the President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Sherri Welch, Senior Reporter for Crain's Detroit Business on Food First Michigan!
Sherri grew up as a Detroiter and is doing her part in telling the story of Detroit's comeback. She has written from many different non-profit's perspectives during the pandemic and is now honing in on the '4th wave of reality'. The 4th wave surrounds the federally funded food programs within the school districts and how they will soon shift back to 'normal' due to schools re-opening, whether virtual or face-to-face. In turn, creating a gap as we shift due to the federal food programs dropping off at the same time and ALL allocation programs will drop significantly. This equates to the perfect storm.
Perspective:
Pre-COVID: The MI food bank network was distributing an average of 2.6 million lbs. of food / week.
During COVID: The MI food bank network has averaged 4.5 million lbs. of food / week.
And, now due to the federal programs and allocation dropping off, food distribution is expected to increase by 15% - that equates to 667,000 MORE lbs. / week.
It will be ALL hands on deck this fall and winter in Michigan to help us do the IMPOSSIBLE!
Related article: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/nonprofit/food-banks-expect-spike-demand-meals-kids-shift-back-school-delivered-models
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of people to change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
This Sunday, join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Lewis Roubal, Chief Deputy Director for Opportunity at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for Food First Michigan! In this episode of Food First, Lewis shines a light on several food programs that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has administered for those in need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Phil, Gerry, and Lewis also discuss ways in which Michigan’s food bank network and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have partnered together to fill in the gaps for all Michiganders. We are convinced that hunger is a problem that can be solved – and so are the leaders appointed to the newly established Food Security Council, chaired by Dr. Phil Knight, who will work together to take on the challenge of food insecurity in Michigan.
Tune in for the conversation Sunday evening at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or NewsTalk 760 AM!
As always, FOOD FIRST!
foodsecurity #morefoodmoreoften2morepeople
COVID-19 has consumed our minds and hearts the last 4.5 months. So many people have faced hardships because of the pandemic - we've pushed our bodies to DO more, so we can SERVE more!
Pre-COVID 1.4 million Michiganders were food insecure with roughly 300,000 - 400,000 of those being children. Food insecurity is brutal and has 'no face'. It could be your neighbor, your coworker, your grandma - it doesn't discriminate.
Tonight at 9 p.m. join Dr. Phil Knight; Gerry Brisson, President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank; Paul Elam, Chief Strategy Officer of Michigan Public Health Institute and Bezil Taylor, Graduate Assistant at the MSU School of Social Work. These inspiring gentlemen thoroughly discuss how food insecurity is a public health challenge and it must be in the forefront of ALL of our minds while taking the stigma away.
Both Paul and Bezil, are strong advocates for those in need and using their one handful of life to the fullest extent!
As always, food FIRST!
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them,” – Albert Einstein.
This Sunday, join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, President & CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Amanda Sweetman, Regional Director of Farming and Healthy Lifestyles at Trinity Michigan for Food First Michigan! Amanda has worked as a scientist, farmer, educator, chef, and community builder. She discusses the work being done through St. Joe’s hospital-based farms as they work to grow healthy communities through food, education, and relationships. Through their various programs for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, they are empowering people on their path to better health. Phil, Gerry, and Amanda explore the close relationship between food security and health, and the work being done to alleviate hunger for patients at St. Joe’s. Learn more at stjoeshealth.org and follow their work on Facebook and Instagram. Tune in for Food First MI Sunday evening at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or Newstalk 760 AM!
As always, FOOD FIRST!
foodsecurity #morefoodmoreoften2morepeople
"I believe that you see something that you want to get done, you cannot give up, and you cannot give in." -Representative John Lewis
Hear why Joe Tate State Representative of House District 2 vividly reminds us of the late Representative John Lewis by exuding leadership and kindness. He comes from a family of service and is standing proudly in the gap for those who cannot in his district. Joe truly understands the prevalence and priority of having food security in people's lives - and for that, we are grateful.
As always, food FIRST!
Trust has built our foodbank network into one of the most trusted partners in America, and here at home in Michigan. While the Food Bank Council of Michigan is very young, we were born out of need - and, that need was to be sure that the food being distributed to the community was safe.
With the Michigan food banks, the public trust is so high that Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her team, as well as the legislature, could trust the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the 7 Feeding America regional food banks with an appropriation out of the COVID Emergency Funding.
Tune in to hear one of our newest and most trusted partners, Kyle Maas, VP of Sales and Marketing at Michigan Turkey Association. The MI Turkey Association recognized innovation as meeting opportunity and chose to step up in the ways that they were fit to do so. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to working with them to provide an essential source of protein to our fellow Michiganders in need.
As always, food FIRST!
Part III of The Economic Impact of COVID-19 with our very own Dr. Dawn Opel, Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives. She puts the cookies on the lower shelf by applying the research from the University of Michigan to estimate how long this current period of inflated need will last as the long tail of the pandemic begins to unfurl.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for emergency food assistance in Michigan, and that demand is expected to stay elevated for the foreseeable future. Post-shelter-in-place conditions—namely, uncertain K-12 school timelines/schedules and unemployment statistics—bring elevated needs for emergency food to the FBCM network of food banks. This elevated need will last through 2022 according to models created by our national organization, Feeding America, and by statisticians at the University of Michigan.
As always, food FIRST!
Over the next 3 weeks, Food First Michigan will be focusing on Michigan's economy and its impact on food security across the state.
Tune in tonight at 9 p.m. to hear from Phil, Gerry and the brilliant Don Grimes. Don is the Senior Research Area Specialist with the University of Michigan Research Seminar on Quantitative Economics.Don provides both a state and national perspective and what we should expect to happen amid the economic recovery over the next 6 - 18 months.
With food being the most flexible part of peoples budget - we must be smart, systematic and proactive.
As always, food FIRST!
Do you know that Americans waste 133 billion lbs? of food? That has a retail value of over $161 billion! Over 40% of food waste comes from our own refrigerator and the other 60% gets lost between the fields and our plates.
Hear from Dr. Lisa Johnson - her knowledge of food hierarchy is astounding! Phil, Gerry, and Lisa delve into her most recent publication, "Farmer harvest decisions and vegetable loss in primary production" and so much more.
To learn more about her - visit lisakjohnson.com
DO BETTER - it's the right thing to do!
We've said it before and we'll say it again - everything rises and falls on leadership. Tune in to hear how Andrew Zupancic is using his one handful of life to own and influence the future. Andrew is a sophomore at Bloomfield Hills High School and saw a need in his community amid the pandemic and chose to do something about it. He created Project Porch Pantry - a contact-less food drive. He is a thought leader and committed to making a difference in this world.
To learn more - https://projectporchpantry.wixsite.com/project-porch-pantry
In the past 8 weeks, Feeding America food banks have distributed 1 billion meals - that's 25% of the annual output. We have risen in a time of crisis and supported the need.
The food banks are an ever-presence help in a time of trouble for a nation, a state, a community or family. They do NOT stop - they RISE to the challenge.
They CHANGE. They ADAPT. They LEARN.
As always, FOOD FIRST
Tonight we are choosing to spread the woosah. Woosah is a meditative term that helps you relax - we could all use a bit of that amid the pandemic.
Tune in to hear from Erica Lang and Kelly McPhee, founders and owners of Woosah and Outside Coffee Co. Erica and Kelly are choosing to live and lead during the pandemic with grace and class. They are getting creative, per usual, and determined to make their businesses thrive.
They discuss the toxic stress of being small business owners and how COVID-19 has truly brought all of us closer together through hope, resiliency and inspiration.
Be sure to check out their AMAZING sites -https://www.spreadingthewoosah.com/ & https://outsidecoffeeco.com/
Trust me, I have purchased a lot of pieces, you will not be disappointed! And, you feel a little cooler and calmer just by wearing their swag.
As always, FOOD FIRST!
While COVID-19 has taken so much from us in the past two months it has also given us the opportunity to learn, evaluate and see life from a unique perspective.
Work is the biggest tool in the anti-hunger toolbox before the pandemic, and will be after. If we want people to not need us, or the programs we use any longer than necessary - we must change the policy to SUPPORT work, REWARD work and HELP people leverage their earnings toward becoming self-sufficient. To learn more about what it truly takes a Michigander to be self-sufficient - please visit https://www.fbcmich.org/selfsufficiencystandard.
Tune in tonight at 9 p.m. to hear from our HR specialist, Jodi Schafer, owner of HRM Services - http://workwithhrm.com/ Jodi discusses the challenges of how to return to work safely and what that means for both the employer and employee. As Phil likes to say, Jodi helps put the cookies on the lower shelf.
As always, FOOD FIRST!
Change is painful. Unknowns are scary. They are part of our everyday lives and we are learning how to live with the new 'normals'.
There is no doubt that our worldview impacts our thinking and from these worldviews, we derive our values - the non-negotiables of our lives.
Our food bankers, who are on the front lines every day, distributing record amounts of emergency to people in need across the state. They do this because duty replaces liberty. They do this because responsibility replaces rights. They do this because they are heroes. They will do this until well after this pandemic ends because they are here to truly help take hunger off the table for their fellow Michiganders - and for that, we are grateful.
Tune in to hear an update on the budget and the maze that is Michigan right now from Stephanie Johnson, partner at Khoury Johnson Leavitt. Stephanie is Food Bank Council of Michigan's lobbyist and specializes in labor, agriculture, education and human services issues. She consistently has her finger on the pulse in Lansing and is a plethora of information on what is happening in the state.
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.
Tune in to hear from a favorite of many, Sheril Kirshenbaum. Sheril is the ED of Science Debate as well as the host of 'Serving up Science' on PBSDS.
With major concerns about shortages in grocery stores and mad scrambles to find the last box of pasta or toilet paper roll, many of the nation’s largest farms are struggling with another ghastly effect of the pandemic. They are being forced to destroy tens of millions of pounds of fresh food that they can no longer sell.
Food WASTE during a pandemic? HOW?
The closing of restaurants, hotels and schools has left some farmers with no buyers for more than half their crops. And even as retailers see spikes in food sales to Americans who are now eating nearly every meal at home, the increases are not enough to absorb all of the perishable food that was planted weeks ago and intended for schools and businesses.
Sheril has a refreshing approach to science and reality with a thought-provoking view on food waste and climate change. In Phil's words - she puts the cookies on the lower shelf.
Buy what you need and eat what you buy. SIMPLE.
'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.' - Gandhi
Tune in to hear from Diane Golzynski, Director of the Office of Health and Nutrition Services of Michigan Department of Education. Diane and her team are standing in the gap and living by the words 'they must be well FED, if they want to be well READ'. With 1.5 million public school children across the state of Michigan, more than half of those students qualify for Free or Reduced Price meals.
When schools closed, Diane and her team put a plan of action in place to make sure the students that rely on two of their meals/day would be fed. As a state agency, their role was to remove the barriers, so the locals could do the work that they needed to do.
There are two words that should NEVER go together – children and hunger. With our allies and people involved in the fight against food insecurity, we are determined to be a part of the solution.
Please visit - https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/ to find a site near you.
As always, FOOD FIRST.
All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbors – in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.
Listen in to hear from Phil, Gerry and Dr. Dawn Opel, Food Bank Council of Michigan's Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives discuss the importance of care-giving in our communities, especially senior citizens.
Our senior citizens are at risk more so than any other population group in this pandemic. Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face significant risk of developing severe illnesses due to physiological changes that come with aging and potential underlying health conditions. Therefore, congregate feeding sites were no longer an option and many seniors were without food.
Our team launched into collaborative action with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency to create a quarantine box. The quarantine box contents are well-balanced, high in protein, contain 33 items, weigh 26.5 pounds, and provide 22 adult meals.
Listening to the wisdom of someone who has lived their life offers us the opportunity to grasp wisdom and use the hard lessons life taught them to make our lives better. Cherish the wisdom around you – it is powerful.
As always, FOOD FIRST.
In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.
Food insecurity, in the midst of a pandemic, is magnified and multiplied. The solution cannot be, should not be, and must not be the responsibility of a community-based organization alone. We are grateful for the state and federal government continuing to stand alongside of us as well as our partners during this incredibly trying time.
COVID-19 is shining a light on the inequities that people are struggling with across society and we must continue to meet people where they are at, not where we want them to be.
While the pandemic magnifies so much negativity, let us not forget the positivity it magnifies as well. Communities are coming together, strangers are helping strangers, and people are donating their time and treasure in the midst of a pandemic and an economic crisis. This is powerful. And, I hope we learn from this.
Phil and Gerry will attempt to solve the riddle, inside of a mystery trapped in an enigma. COVID-19.
COVID-19 has grabbed our independence by the throat and pinned us against the wall and it appears it's not letting go any time soon.
This does not stop the food bankers. They are determined to see this through to the end, whenever that is. They are heroes. They are continuing to put themselves at risk in order to help Michigan's most vulnerable population during this crisis.
In the midst of this carnage - people are stepping up to help. Thank you, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, for valuing the work we do and assigning the Michigan National Guard to our food banks. Thank you Michigan Apples and Michigan Potatoes for your generous contributions to help feed your fellow Michiganders.
Let this episode provide you with hope. We will rise and get through this TOGETHER.
COVID-19 seeks the most vulnerable and uses the healthy to carry out its intention. It is not only revealing our essence and developing our character, but it is also offering us perspective.
Phil and Gerry dive in to the 'waves' of the pandemic. Last week was Wave I - children. This week they focus on Wave 2 - Senior Citizens. A lot of issues surround feeding seniors - typically they go to a congregate site, great for socialization and mobilization. Now, those words are the antithesis of what seniors need right now. Now more than ever - the LESS we do, the MORE we help.
STAY HOME. STOP panic buying. Make a GIFT to your local food bank --> https://bit.ly/3aslNJC 'The needs of the many outweighs the needs of the few.' -Spock
We are challenged, confused and confronted by this obscurity and potency. COVID-19 multiplies the shortcomings of our society; it reveals our own character, and worse, it cripples our sense of hope, freedom, and trust.
Due to the pandemic, this episode is brought to you through uncommon circumstances with Phil, Gerry and Mark creating the show virtually sharing the food bank's network response.
The food bankers and their teams have had their boots on the ground since last week and haven't stopped since, let alone slept. They are doubling their capacity and innovating new distribution options to keep their staff and clients safe. People care and we WILL rise together.
So many unknowns coincide with COVID-19, but it has also provided 'teaching moments'. It teaches us of ourselves and to be unselfish; it teaches us to support and appreciate one another. It can propel us to DO better, GET better and BE better - but, the choice is OURS.
Please check in on those you care about - it matters.
Most of the time we need your time, talent, and treasure - but, today we need simply need your treasure. Please consider donating to your local food bank.
The progress will not come by doing what we did yesterday.
Hear from the astounding Dr. Dawn Shoultz Opel. Dr. Opel’s experience, wisdom, and passion for food security will help take us to the next level of effectiveness across the state.
Did you know that food banking has only been going on for about 40 years? 21st century food banking will move from the philanthropic model to a shared partnership of particular kinds of goals and outcomes across sectors. Phil, Gerry, and Dawn discuss the impactful ways we are shaping the mold of food banking.
'You cannot BE the same, THINK the same and ACT the same if you hope to be successful in a world that does not remain the same.' - John Maxwell
Adaptability, not conformity is the key to maintaining a high level of effectiveness, impact and success. The Food Bank Council of Michigan and our network adapted - 20 years ago our network distributed over 70 million lbs. of food across our state, which equates to 60 million meals. Just in this past year, our network distributed 205 million pounds, which equates to 170 million meals --> that's a 193% increase in less than 20 years! We cannot manage our way out of this - we must LEAD our way out.
To make food first - you have to think of the whole system from the beginning to the end. Not much happens around the world if the farmers don't produce food and fiber for their consumers and the farmers have truly 'weathered the storm' over the past year.
Hear from our returning guest, Ernie Birchmeier, Livestock and Dairy Specialist at Michigan Farm Bureau. Ernie, Phil, and Gerry discuss the strong agriculture community, the impact of trade mitigation, trade agreements and more.
As always, FOOD FIRST! And - please thank a farmer!
'The best social program is a job.' - Ronald Reagan
Times have changed, however, Mr. Reagan. The best social program is now a job that actually pays a living wage.
Phil and Gerry delve into the current U.S. Department of Agriculture policy concerning food insecurity in America, the threshold of poverty, and the most up-to-date Self-Sufficiency Standard (SSS). The SSS determines the budget needed for 719 family styles in each county in Michigan to be independent and is incredibly powerful. https://www.fbcmich.org/selfsufficiencystandard
'If there is one person in this country that is hunger, that is one too many.' - Ronald Reagan
Cutting food waste is a delicious way of saving money, helping create food security and protect the planet. Waste not, want not.
A favorite of many, Sheril Kirshenbaum is featured on this week’s show. Sheril is the ED of Science Debate as well as the host of 'Serving up Science' on PBSDS. Sheril has a refreshing approach to science and reality with a thought-provoking view on food waste and climate change.
If we could just waste less of the food we produce - it would take us a long way to making things better.
Did you know --> 1/3 of everything that's produced for human consumption around the world gets WASTED! If food waste were its our own country - it would rank #3 in greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste takes up over 1/4 (28%) of our agricultural land and costs the U.S. over $218 billion. Imagine what we could do with that $?!
In 2020, we produce enough food to feed everyone, but it doesn't reach everyone due to distributional shortcomings as well as economic and social inequality.
Buy what you need and eat what you buy. SIMPLE.
Many are called, few are chosen.
Peter Vogel, CEO of the South Michigan Food Bank was chosen for this work. Peter is investing his one handful of life by helping others, standing in the gap for those who need it, changing people and places, making things better, fixing broken organizations and making a HUGE difference!
Phil, Gerry and Peter discuss Peter's niche of taking non-profit organizations that are struggling, but have a lot of potential and figure out how to build them up and so much more. His gifts are truly endless.
What happens to healthy things? They grow!
'Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.' -George Washington
Listen in to hear the update on the detrimental role that the weather played in the fields this spring and fall from Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD Director Gary McDowell. Director McDowell, Phil, and Gerry discuss the extreme hardships that Michigan's farmers went through and quite honestly, most are still going through.
MDARD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are working to prepare for yet another wet year while putting commodity groups in place to be prepared as possible.
Although Michigan's growing season is short, we remain the second most agriculturally diverse state with the agriculture sector contributing $1.5 billion into the state’s economy.
The Food Bank Council of Michigan and its 7 member food banks distributed 205 million pounds of food across Michigan in 2019, with 80 million pounds being produced. Having a plethora of produce enables the clients to have a choice - a choice provides dignity and helps reduce waste.
If you haven't already, thank a farmer
This episode features Lou Glazer, President of Michigan Future Inc.., an Ann Arbor-based Think Tank. Lou defines reality about a self-sufficient wage in his most recent op-ed in Crain's Detroit Business - https://bit.ly/37sKLaA.
Today, there are more Michigan households that are unable to pay for basic necessities than there were in 2010 when MI was just starting to recover from the recession. WHY? Because wages and benefits are rising slower than the cost of necessities (food, housing, childcare, and transportation).
The Food Bank Council of Michigan published the Self-Sufficiency Standard to establish how much is enough for who and where in Michigan. The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Michigan (https://www.fbcmich.org/selfsufficiencystandard) is far more accurate than the outdated federal poverty measure used to determine eligibility for work supports.
The right way to think about the economy is if the people can pay their bills and raise a family, not by the stock market. When there are HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of CHILDREN in our state that are HUNGRY, the economy is NOT good enough!
'Be quick, but not in a hurry.' -John Wooden
There are no clear winners or losers in an infinite game. Solving hunger is an infinite game - one that has really just begun. Many of the struggles that we face exist simply in our mission because we are playing with a finite mindset in an infinite game.
The Food Bank Council of Michigan and the food bank network have a clear mind and 2020 vision. Hear what's in store. Hang tight!
Let's work smarter, not harder!
'History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.' -Nelson Mandela
Paula Herbart, president of Michigan Education Association and Co-Chair of Launch Michigan. Launch Michigan's objective is to create a compelling plan and path forward for Michigan education that it would transcend any leadership change at the highest level of state government. Small dreams inspire no one and this certainly isn't small.
Paula, Phil, and Gerry discuss the broken funding models, accountability and the need for problem-solvers, not problem-spotters.
Their conversations aren't always easy, but Launch Michigan firmly believes it is possible to make meaningful and lasting change for our students and for our own future. Fair isn't equal and ALL students have different needs --> funding is one of the ways that every child can be provided with the tools for success.
"Our aim is not only to relieve the symptom of poverty, but to cure it and, above all, to prevent it." - Lyndon Johnson
In 1964, Lyndon Johnson declared war on poverty and sadly, we are still fighting it today, but there is so much more connected to poverty.
Hear from Barb Petee, Executive Director of The Root Cause Coalition as well as the Chief Advocacy and Government Relations Office of ProMedica. Phil and Gerry also introduce an astounding new FBCM team member, Dr. Dawn Shoultz Opel as the Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives.
The Root Cause Coalition is dedicated to bringing the full power of healthcare to bear in our collective fight against health inequity. The Coalition recognizes that no one sector can address the full breadth of the social determinants ravaging the health of our people. We must work together.
Barb is guiding the conversation in the right direction nationally while Dawn is working tirelessly at the local level to take us to the cusp of opportunity to address food insecurity as a root cause rather than a symptom of poverty.
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/.
FoodSecurity #MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave." - Calvin Coolidge
Listen in as we are celebrating our champions of the movement that have come alongside us in unprecedented ways. Tune in to hear from Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association. MHA is our Title Sponsor for our Michigan Harvest Gathering and helped collect 3.5 million pounds of food as well as $3 million over the years - we are beyond thankful for their continued partnership in creating a food secure state!
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/.
The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke
Meeting the Need for our Village Hunger Project is a project that Addy Battel and Pearl Daskum started when they were 12 years old. I know I wasn't doing anything this empowering at 12 years old.
These young women value their community and wanted to take the path to make a difference and they have done just that. Since its inception, they have made a $60,000 impact on their community - donating 10,000 lbs of meat, 2,800 gallons of milk, 300 lb of cheese, 300 lbs of produce and 300 dozen eggs.
Their goal has always been to provide high quality protein to low-income members of their community and the communities surrounding them, while and through empowering other youth hunger fighters.
Everything rises and falls on leadership - not some things, not most things - everything.
Tune in tonight at 9 pm to hear from Michelle Lantz, the new CEO of Greater Lansing Food Bank. To say that Michelle hit the ground running is an understatement - within her first 100 days, she has lead through crisis associated with the UAW strike; hosted Governor Whitmer in the food bank; and closed on property that will usher in a new era for the Greater Lansing Food Bank!
Because Michelle grew up on a farm and worked tirelessly in the fields, creating food security is near and dear to her heart. Farming provided her with a strong sense of community and a passion for taking care of others.
Our MI food bank network is not perfect, but we are the best at what we do and committed to walking with the people we serve with high hopes that one day they won't need us anymore.
"Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning." - Thomas Edison
Tune in tonight at 9 pm to hear from Lesli Hoey an associate professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Michigan. Lesli is helping us think better and different while investing in her one handful of life in the mission of establishing equity through urban planning. If urban planners aren't aware of how food insecurity affects their community, it's going to undermine their efforts to make sure everyone has adequate access to basic needs.
To learn more about Urban Planning --> https://taubmancollege.umich.edu/urbanplanning
"Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.
The giving season is upon us as well as the annual Michigan Harvest Gathering, which brings people together from everywhere to raise food and funds for our hungry neighbors across the state --> https://www.fbcmich.org/resources/michigan-harvest-gathering/
Listen in to hear from two policy insiders - State Representative Angela Witwer and Stephanie Johnson, Managing Partner of Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore. Representative Witwer and Stephanie delve into the budget as well as the Tax Credit House Bills 4992 and 4993. These bills are striving to provide tax credits for charitable donations to food banks and homeless shelters - PLEASE do your due diligence and reach out to your legislator to show your support for these two bills.
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/.
"From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life." - Arthur Ashe
As the holiday season approaches, please remember that if you don't have the treasure - you may have the time and talent and that is just as important. Tune in at 9 pm tonight to hear from two gentlemen who are using their treasure to help create a food secure state.
Tom Celani and Bill Schuette. Tom is a community philanthropist, dedicated to addressing the needs of youth and fighting hunger. Tom and his wife Vicki created 'Hunger Free in the D' through the Celani Family Foundation - the event directly benefits Gleaners Community Food Bank and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
Bill and Cynthia Schuette are the founders of the Michigan Harvest Gathering - the food and funds campaign that helps our hungry neighbors. As we enter our 29th year of MHG, Bill and Cynthia have created the opportunity to elevate the issue and challenge of food insecurity from our kids to our senior citizens and all of the working families in between.
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/.
As we frequently say on Food First, solving hunger starts in the field!
Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson catch up with Senator Roger Victory who took a break from his work on Victory Farms to speak on the show. Senator Victory represents Michigan’s 30th District located in Ottawa County. In this episode of Food First Phil, Gerry, and Senator Victory discuss the tough weather conditions Michigan farmers faced this spring, how infrastructure impacts both agriculture and food banking, and how using data is critically important when addressing the challenge of food insecurity.
A true friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out. Senator Roger Victory has been that kind of friend to the Food Bank Council and to the agricultural community. Be sure to get caught up on the innovative and inspiring conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/.
We are overwhelmed with opportunities and the only thing that goes faster than time is an opportunity!
Listen in to Food First tonight as Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson discuss the three principles of great partnerships - shared priorities, shared pain, and shared payment. These principles are key in every partnership from individual relationships to multifaceted collaborations.
Phil and Gerry explore the shared priorities, pain, and payment in the food bank network’s collaborations with the healthcare system. When hunger is taken off the table in a household everyone is healthier. The priority of creating food security in Michigan through greater access to healthy and nutritious food aligns with the triple aim of healthcare which is better health, better care, and lower cost. Listen in to find out how the priorities align and what opportunities for additional collaboration with the education system are ahead!
Catch Food First Michigan on Sunday at 9:00 PM on WJR Radio or Newstalk 760 AM. Be sure to get caught up on the innovative and inspiring conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/.
Hear the LAST Food for Thought episode! Don't worry - you still get to hear Phil and Gerry's thought-provoking conversations on a weekly basis, just under a new name: Food First.
Not only are Phil and Gerry changing the conversation about food insecurity, but they are embodying a movement that will help us accomplish both the personal and political will to bring about social change.
1 in 6 children go to bed hungry and wake up hungry and that is absolutely unacceptable. FOOD FIRST, not second and certainly not third! Continue to be a part of the conversation and join us in the movement in this necessary social change - we are the future!
Be sure to get caught up on all of the innovating and inspiring conversations - www.foodsecuremichigan.org
Sourcing food is a key paramount practice that we must be GREAT at. We must source food like lives depend on it because they do. From farmers to our hungry neighbors who are struggling with more month than money - we cannot accept anything less than greatness.Although Michigan's growing season is short, we are the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state in the nation. Hear from Jeannie Igle a 4th generation farmer on Hawkins Homestead and Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD Director Gary McDowell.Both Jeannie and Director McDowell discuss the increasing stress that farmers are facing due to the detrimental weather as well as the extreme ripple effect on the economy, trade and food. Farming relies heavily on the weather and this is one of the wettest seasons we have seen in years and there is nothing we can do about it. We may all be sick of the rain, but it goes beyond that for the farmers, this is their livelihood.
Be sure to get caught up on all of the innovating and inspiring conversation - https://www.foodfirstmi.org/
Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson sit down with the Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Farm Bureau, Scott Piggott.
The Michigan Farm Bureau is an organization that stands in the gap for farmers all across the state. Scott is a wealth of information on Michigan’s agricultural community. In this episode of Food First, we discuss Michigan Farm Bureau’s innovative way of educating children through their mobile FARM Science Labs, how trade mitigation impacts Michigan farmers, and how the abnormal weather affects the already abbreviated growing season.
We are all here to take hunger off the table! Be sure to get caught up on the innovative and inspiring conversation at https://www.foodfirstmi.org/.
Every one of us at every level should starve our distraction and feed our focus when it comes to food insecurity. If we focus on Food First in all of our endeavors and ask the question of the priority of food in all of our efforts - a major cultural shift will take place in our state.
Hear from influencers that are making Food First a reality. In this episode we have Carl Bednarski, president of Michigan Farm Bureau; State Senator Peter MacGregor and State Representative Angela Witwer; and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist.
A little tease of the powerful conversations that were had: Carl discusses how food security starts in the field with the farmers, not the grocery stores. Senator MacGregor and Representative Witwer do a joint interview to share their passion for hunger being the one issue that unites us all. Lastly, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist discusses governance being a full-contact sport and helping people where they're at - not where you want them to be.
We are thankful for the role that food security plays in all of our guests thought process - they are helping create the movement of FOOD FIRST!
Be sure to get caught up on all of the innovating and inspiring conversation -https://www.foodfirstmi.org/
The first of our newly re-branded show, Food First Michigan!
Phil and Gerry caught up with Rachel Hurst, Corporate Affairs Manager of Michigan Kroger and the new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Gordon at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
Although Director Gordon is new to MDHHS, he demonstrates the attributes of being a true leader who wants to make a difference. He wants to support the people on the front lines and see things from everyone's perspective - there is no doubt that he will make a difference in our state.
Rachel discusses Kroger's great efforts to helping solve food security with their Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative - the past date does NOT mean past good! To learn more - https://www.kroger.com/f/zero-hunger-zero-waste
Be sure to get caught up on all of the innovating and inspiring conversations - https://foodsecuremichigan.org/
Can we talk? We are the solution and no one else is coming behind us - it's up to us to solve food security in this state.
'The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.' - William James
Tune to in tonight at 9 p.m. on WJR Radio or 760 AM to hear about how Joe Wald, executive director of the Greater Lansing Food Bank has lead a life legacy of helping the community. Phil said it best, 'the tide that raises one boat, raises all boats', which is a perfect reflection on Joe's character. The Food Bank Council of Michigan network will truly miss Joe's passion, kindness, and determination in solving food security.
Be sure to get caught up on all of the innovating and inspiring conversations - https://foodsecuremichigan.org/
'A good plan violently executed today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.'
Hear from Susan Hawkins, Senior VP of Population Health at Henry Ford Health System. No leader has emerged quite like Susan as she is helping create a sustainable difference in the lives of people and that is powerful!
Gleaners Community Food Bank and Henry Ford Health System recognized an opportunity to improve the health of patients who are already high-risk clinically (multiple chronic conditions) and are screened positive for food insecurity and in turn developed a pilot, Henry's Groceries. Case managers in three high-risk clinics screen patients for food insecurity and eligibility, and patients who accept enrollment in the program are offered a package of food (including fresh produce and frozen meats) every two weeks for six months.
The pilot will enroll 300 patients total, with expansion based on success. Measures include ED visits, admission and re-admissions experienced by the enrolled population. Susan is a true champion of the pilot and is standing in the gap for those who need it most.
Be sure to get caught up on all of the innovating and inspiring conversations at www.foodsecuremichigan.org.
Hear a fresh new perspective from Food Bank of South Central Michigan's new CEO, Peter Vogel. Peter is focusing on expanding and strengthening relationships with partnerships throughout the network.
Phil and Gerry also discuss Feeding America's newest release of the Map the Meal Gap study - https://map.feedingamerica.org/. Although the overall food insecurity rate improved from 16% to 14%, 1 in 6 children are still facing food insecurity in MI.
Lastly, as many of you know, Gleaners Community Food Bank received 'Food Bank of the Year' award from Feeding America - this is like a Nobel Peace Prize in our world! Way to go, Gerry and team!
Some problems are too important to ignore or pretend they don't exist and hunger at ALL ages is one of them. It takes courage to define reality and Dr. Keith Whitfield, provost at Wayne State University, is doing just that by changing the conversation about food insecurity across college campuses.
Dr. Whitfield is using his one handful of life to provide the students on his campus the tools to succeed in life. Once you know it - there's nothing else to do with it besides DO IT!
"We cannot solve the problems with the same thinking we used to create them." - Albert Einstein
Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Phil and Gerry address hunger and poverty as food insecurity has a cause and effect relationship with poverty. Did you know that 21% of ALL U.S. children are living at the poverty level? You have some people living in 3rd world living conditions in a first world country.
One of the main objectives of Food for Thought is helping people think better and differently. Our work is not band-aid work and you can't fix the symptoms - we must fix the system!
Leading an enterprise, organization, movement, team or group doesn't necessarily mean the leader has to have all of the best right answers to every challenge, problem, and circumstance. A leader must possess the ability to have the right answers.
Hear Phil and Gerry delve into the WHAT questions. Most importantly - WHAT is food insecurity? Everyone suffers from hunger, but it can be fixed; food insecurity is when someone is hungry and they cannot fix the problem. Tune in to hear he breakdown on all of the WHAT questions.
We have much to do in this line of work in creating a food secure state and we want to make sure that we're doing WHAT we should be doing.
Vision is simply an idea of a better tomorrow. Over the last 10 years, we've learned a lot and gotten more efficient at what and how we do this work. Phil and Gerry discuss the framework surrounding the Blueprint to Solve Hunger.
Phil and Gerry take a look back at the shows that helped make them the recipients of the 2018 MAB - Michigan Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Excellence Awards.
Did you know that 356,930 kids in Michigan face hunger? That's enough to fill the Spartan Stadium nearly five times. It's cheaper to SOLVE hunger than to have it continue.
As always folks, Food First!
People are a community's most valuable asset - this kind of changes the view of our neighborhood. From our donors to our drivers, to our volunteers to our warehouse workers, from our board members to the farmers that support our work, from the client who needs our help for a little while, or to the individual who needs us for a while longer. They are ALL worthy of investment!
Hear Phil and Gerry discuss how we must have a paradigm shift in our thinking people are 'needy' to people are worth investing in. We also journey back to an interview at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference with Rob Fowler, CEO of Small Business Association of Michigan talking about minimum wage and how one size does NOT fit all.
Tested leaders LEAD and don't shrink in the midst of crisis, who are steady influencers for good and work to create positive change.
Phil and Gerry take a look back at the shows that helped make them the recipients of the 2018 MAB - Michigan Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Excellence Awards.
During the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference, Phil and Gerry had the pleasure of interviewing Congressman Dan Kildee and United States Senator Debbie Stabenow. Congressman Kildee and US Senator Stabenow are prime examples of standing in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves.
Hear great conversations from two powerful leaders about the financial cliff, poverty lines, and self-sufficiency. As always, FOOD FIRST!
"Anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple, but who among us can count the number of apples in a seed?"
Food for Thought engages leaders from as many sectors as we can because all leaders will benefit from helping solve this problem. Because of all of the influential guests and our wonderful listeners who continue to move us onward and upward have made Food for Thought an award-winning show! Recently, Food for Thought received the 'Best Regularly Scheduled Weekend Personality Team' at the 2018 MAB - Michigan Association of Broadcasters Excellence Awards!
Hear Phil and Gerry unpack the 3 areas of focus on the future of food security.
When something works well, it's the easiest thing to take for granted. The partial government shutdown was a $1.1 trillion appropriation, yet they were arguing (and, still are) about $5.7 billion.
Hear from Geoff Plague, Director of Tax and Public Policy of Feeding America. Geoff puts the shutdown into perspective on how it effects people's lives, the economy and the treacherous ripple effect it has played on the nation.
Did you know that 2.2 billion people have rolled off the SNAP program since Trump has become POTUS? Or, the fact that the shutdown occurred for 35 days, which is 1/10 of the year - not many people have the ability to absorb 10% of their annual income. We must create a momentum in legislation to prevent a shutdown from happening again as well as create a safety net that works.
'We cannot solve the problems with the same thinking we used to create them.' - Albert Einstein
Phil, Gerry and Kirk Mayes discuss the impact of food waste and the transformation Forgotten Harvest is making. Kirk Mayes is a leader, influencer and CEO and President of Forgotten Harvest.
Forgotten Harvest is a unique member of our 7 food bank network - they are a food rescue. Some 30 years ago, Forgotten Harvest was founded to tackle and address the waste of nutritious food and at the same time, use those assets to combat food insecurity in our communities.
Food waste costs more than ALL of the investments combined made by our state and federal governments into higher education. To help put into perspective even more - we are wasting 1,400 calories per day per person - that is unacceptable!
As always friends, FOOD FIRST!
Food waste is an often overlooked issue that has implications for food access and security - it takes months to produce, but we can waste it an instant.
Hear from the influential and knowledgeable, Sheril Kirshenbaum, Host of Food at MSU. Sheril, Phil and Gerry discuss the newest findings of the MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll: Wave IV (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/msu-food-literacy-and-engagement-poll-wave-iv), food waste and local food effort.
88% of people are taking steps to reduce food waste at home - are YOU?!
'A small group of people can change the world - indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' - Margaret Mead
Tune in to hear from Sharon Toth, CEO of Milk Means More and Kara Ross, President and CEO of Food Bank of Eastern Michigan on how they are choosing to use their one handful of life. Kara and Sharon discuss the large impact that milk played during the Flint Water Crisis by being a significant lead-mitigating beverage.
In the past 3 years, Milk Means More has been responsible for helping FBCM and the 7 member Feeding America food banks distributed over 5 million servings of milk!
Have you noticed that doing nothing worth doing is easy? The more meaningful the dream/vision, the longer and harder it takes.
We often get asked 'why do you think food security is solvable and/or why isn't it fixed yet?' We understand that maximizing one's potential outside of a food secure environment is at best challenging and in many instances - impossible! Tune in to hear from Phil and Gerry unpack the 5 reasons as to why we have not solved food security YET!
Interested in learning more about the Hunger Report? - http://hungerreport.org/costofhunger/
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein
We believe that food security can be solved by knowing who's hungry and where they're living. The mad reality that a zip code is a predictor of success is the driving force behind the Opportunity Index. The Opportunity Index is a web-based annual composite measurement of economic, educational, health and civic factors that foster the economic ability at the county and state level.
Tune in to hear from Michelle Maisie, Director of Opportunity Nation. Michelle has dedicated her life to social justice, community organizing, and giving people a voice who have been overlooked.
Learn more about the Opportunity Index at https://opportunityindex.org/
Get caught up at https://foodsecuremichigan.org/
"I do not waste any time. If you're not working on important things, then you are wasting your time." - Dean Kamen
Hear how newly elect State Representative Angela Witwer and Rob Collier, Consultant and Senior Advisor to the President of Council of Michigan Foundations are combating the senselessness of hunger fueled by waste. House Bill 4038 is Representative Witwer's first bill to co-sign - it encourages farmers and food processors to give surplus product to those in need, which in turn provide them with a tax incentive.
Margaret Mead states is so true and clear - "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it's the only that has." Representative Witwer and many others are here to represent and serve the people of Michigan.
As the famous saying goes - teamwork makes the dream work. As the partial government shutdown challenge escalates, the need for teamwork elevates.
Hear from Phil, Gerry and Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer with Feeding America. Kate is standing in the gap for all of the people we serve and provides an eye-opening perspective as to how this shutdown affects EVERYONE.
With this being the 3rd shutdown within this administration, let's choose to humanize this issue, stop fixing the blame and start fixing the problem! Did you know that every week this government shutdown persists, the U.S. economy loses $1.2 billion dollars/week - this is unacceptable and it must stop now!
Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future. - JFK
The government shutdowns are a clear result of poor leadership on both sides - with this being the 3rd time during this presidency, who’s to say it won't happen again?
Hear from Phil, Gerry and Diane Golzynski, Director of the Office of Health and Nutritional Services of Michigan Department of Education discuss the affects the shutdown has on the food banks, the people we serve as well as Michigan's food programs. Diane shares the well thought out plan and where we will go from here.
"Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible and before you know it, you will be doing the impossible." St. Francis Hear from Dawn Opel, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University. Dawn is one of those people that makes you feel passionate about whatever she is talking about - she is beyond brilliant and we are so thankful she is walking alongside us! Dawn, Phil and Gerry delve coordinate care, 'Food is Medicine' legislation, public policy and so much more. We all think solving food insecurity is possible - do YOU?
Opportunity knocks once, but temptation bangs on your door for years. Tune in to hear Phil and Gerry discuss federal and state programs (Farm Bill, Trade Mitigation and evidence-based process) and how they affect the food bank network. We as leaders must see before, beyond and better than anyone else.
In 2050, there are going to be 9-10 billion people living on this planet - there will be less land available and climate change will become even more pronounced. How are we going to feed everyone?
Hear from Sheril Kirshenbaum, Academic Specialist and Host of Our Table with Food at MSU as well as host of Serving of Science on NPR Podcast. Sheril, Phil and Gerry discuss how policy-making should be SCIENCE / EVIDENCE based as well as how strongly food and health are connected.
The condition in which people live, learn, work and play effect a wide-range of health risks and outcomes. Did you know that healthcare is 1/5 of the economy? DHHS spends over $1trillion/year on healthcare for seniors and low income people through Medicare and Medicaid. Let's put FOOD FIRST and try to spend better.
Hear from Michelle Marshall, VP of Social Determinants of Health at Solera Network. Michelle is a catalyst and a true thought leader with a strong passion behind the mission of providing healthy and nutritious food.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We have two strong links that are standing in the gap for others on this week's show - Governor Elect Gretchen Whitmer and Duane Berger, Director of Business and Innovation at Kinexus.
Gretchen's segment was recorded before the primary's and she was already determined get behind the mission of creating a food secure state. Recently she released her Health Plan stating that there would be strong food policy coordination as well as a Director of food security - this is great news! Read the full plan here - https://bit.ly/2DGWPti
Duane is using his one handful of life to help create a better life for others. Kinexus' We is compiled of agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality in the southwest Michigan region. Duane and his team partnered with Feeding America West Michigan for mobile distribution pantries to be sent to their member companies on a regular basis - by doing so, food barriers dropped down to a '5' in terms of stressors.
It takes courage to define reality and Dr. Fritz Erikson, president of Northern Michigan University, and Nicole Edmonds, Director of MSU Student Food Bank, do just that by changing the conversation around food insecurity across college campuses.
Harambee is a KiSwahili word that means to ‘pull together’. The Michigan Harvest Gathering is definitely a “Harambee” type of event. We find the need of people struggling to have enough food causes toxic stress in every community. MHG isn’t just about the need, it is also about the opportunity.
Phil and Gerry discuss the 28th annual Michigan Harvest Gathering and the impact the continued efforts made by partners, sponsors and SOM employees. We hear from Carolyn Bloodworth, Director of Corporate Giving of Consumers Energy; Terry Rhadigan, ED of Corporate Giving of GM Foundation; and Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
Michigan is one of the most rapidly aging states in the nation. The percentage of residents age 65 and older—now at approximately 15%—is expected to jump to nearly 22% by 2050. This is great - people are living longer, but how do we address their needs? Paula Cunningham, CEO and State Director of AARP Michigan discusses the “Disrupting Disparities: A Continuum of Care for Michiganders 50 and Older” with Phil and Gerry. Paula is a true leader by defining reality and will not leave things the way she found them.
Phil, Gerry, State Senator Jim Ananich and Clarence Garner, Superintendent of Grand Blanc Community Schools, discuss Lunch Shaming.
Senator Ananich recently introduced the Senate Bill 1078 - the Hunger-Free Student Bill of Rights. The students aren't the ones making the decisions, but they're the ones who are being punished and humiliated in front of their peers.
Hunger deprives our children of more than just food - it's a simple fact. Did you know that 1 in 6 children may not know where their next meal is coming from? Tune in to hear from Lawrence Burns, CEO of Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation discuss the foundation's pathways to healthy lives.
No one can solve hunger alone. Even with a good economy, there are children in EVERY school district that are food insecure. Tune in to hear about innovations and trends from Joe Wald, ED of Greater Lansing Food Bank and Markell Miller, Director of Community Food Programs at Food Gatherers.
Phil’s motto and basis of this week’s show – Being logically consistent. Phil, Gerry and guest, David Lee, ED of Feeding Wisconsin, discuss the logical inconsistencies of politics, policies and philosophies.
How close are we to solving food insecurity? Tune in to hear Phil and Gerry discuss our work with The Paul W. Smith Show.
Of what use is a dream if not a BLUEPRINT for courageous action." Our food bank network and board of directors have courage, a vision and a passion for our mission. Tune in to hear about the Blueprint to SOLVE hunger in Michigan!
Heroes are made not born. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is a pediatrician, professor, and public health advocate whose research exposed the Flint water crisis. Dr. Mona turned anger into action by tackling huge problems, not just talking about them - she is force to be reckoned with and her voice will continue to be heard.
Tune in to hear discussion of her book, "What the eyes don't see", how she's turning sick care into healthcare, social determinants of health, how food truly is brain medicine and so much more!
Waste not. Want not.
Dr. Lisa Johnson is a Senior Research Scholar in the Department of Horticultural Science and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) at North Carolina State University. Lisa has helped to develop and fund Whole Crop Harvest, a dynamic, interdisciplinary research program studying on-farm food loss with a focus on fresh market vegetable production in North Carolina. Waste has not been properly measured since the 60's.
Tune in to hear the importance of measuring waste in the field, development of solutions and the ROI.
Let's think better and bigger - simple, right? Tune in to hear the plethora of ways that Phil and Gerry are changing the conversation that surrounds food insecurity. They also discuss the changes of the SNAP benefits and who it effects the most - children and seniors. Did you know that 1 in 5 children are food insecure? Heartbreaking and unacceptable. Did you also know that more times than not, seniors will not receive assistance because they feel like they're taking it away from someone who needs it more than them. Again, heartbreaking.
Ken Nobis - not only is he President of Michigan Milk Producers Association, he is the First Vice Chair of the National Milk Producers Federation. With milk being one of the most requested items from our clients, Ken and his team at MMPA have been our champion by donating fresh milk to our food bank network resulting in a total milk donation of 164,250 gallons!
Every agricultural channel is much more complicated than at face value. While the dairy exports have increased dramatically, the dairy industry have worked tirelessly to build their own market with little help from the government. Ken also discusses the impact of the tariffs and trade have on milk. Tune in for so much more!
Tune in to get an accurate update about the Farm Bill from Carrie Calvert, Managing Director, Government Relations of Feeding America and learn how the Farm Bill effects everything regarding food - from farm to fork.
Phil and Gerry also delve into the measuring of food insecurity. Did you know that there are 15 federal food programs throughout the U.S.? Even with all of these resources, we've only met HALF the need of solving food security.
Tune in to hear from a leadership architect, consultant, author and change strategist, Sam Chand. Sam excels at helping organizations develop leadership and structure around issues that are often difficult to solve.
I leave you with this: "Your size and your speed are controlled by your systems and structures."
Interested in learning more about Sam - head on over to his website and be prepared to be blown away: http://www.samchand.com/
To those who do not understand history, they are condemned to repeat it. - Santayana
A lot of times, the term lobbyist is not met with a positive light until you work with someone like Stephanie Johnson, FBCM's lobbyist. Stephanie is a managing partner at Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore - the strength of her character, passion and integrity make her a pleasure to work with.
Phil, Gerry and Steph discuss the role of advocacy in our work, the history and process of MASS (MI Agricultural Surplus System) and the value and impact of the resources that the legislature provides. Did you know that MASS was created in MI and was the first of its kind in the country? Tune in!
Trend-buster: Kara Ross, the new CEO for Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Did you know that 75% of the people who work in the non-profit world are women, but only 45% of the top CEO positions are held by women.
Kara has worked in the food bank world for over 20 years and is a logistical wizard. Tune in to hear Phil, Gerry and Kara discuss crisis and communication, innovations, opportunities and impact.
Tune in to hear from the incendiary CEO and president of Small Business Association of Michigan, Rob Fowler. Rob, Phil and Gerry discuss minimum wage, business models and the Employee Resource Network (ERN).
Rob and his SBAM team stand in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves.
Phil and Gerry had the pleasure of interviewing Congressman Dan Kildee and United States Senator Debbie Stabenow at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference #MPC18. Congressman Kildee and US Senator Stabenow are prime examples of standing in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves.
Tune in to hear great conversations from two powerful leaders about the financial cliff, poverty lines / self-sufficiency and an update on the Farm Bill.
Tune in to hear from MSU Academic Specialist and Host of Our Table, Sheril Kirshenbaum. Sheril delves into a variety of topics - from GMO's to who we should be listening to about food (surprisingly, it's not the Kardashian's) to food waste.
In the U.S. we are wasting 1400 calories of value are wasted per person per day - that's absurd!
We must have an impact that MATTERS! Talk isn't cheap - it's valuable because it gives a voice to our thoughts.
Waste not, want not.
Did you know that 43% of all food waste comes from yours and my refrigerators? Tune in to hear how Kirk Mayes, CEO of the nationally recognized Forgotten Harvest and his team are combating food waste by rescuing food around the Metro Detroit area.
Food waste is so much more than just waste, it's a BIG picture issue. It has such a large impact on the environment: once the wasted food reaches the landfill and starts the decomposition process it becomes 20 - 30 times more harmful than fuel emissions coming out of your car.
Do yourself, your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren a favor and listen up and learn more about food waste and food rescue.
Tune in to hear from the enlightening Jodi Schafer and Sonya Robinson, two of the four founders of PureReinvention discuss the foundation - there is passion behind every move they make. Food for Thought is designed to follow the Fundamental 5: disrupt, own, simplify, connect and move in changing the conversation and the culture around the issue of food insecurity.
Interested in learning more about Pure Reinvention - be sure to check them out: www.purereinvention.com
Food for Thought: The true test of leadership is the ability to create positive change.
The sum is greater than the individual part.
As a common leadership motto goes, 'People are an organization's greatest asset' - Julianne Pricinsky, Retired President of Baker College - Flint Campus and Board Chairman of Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is just that, she is one of Flint's greatest assets and has no loss of enthusiasm for the mission!
Julianne, Phil and Gerry thoroughly discuss the servant leadership philosophy - people who are in the most difficult times in their own lives are still willing to give up themselves to help someone who is worse off. It truly doesn't matter what the problem is, we can come together to find solutions.
Simplicity has a clarifying quality to it, but it's also frothed with dangerous fix-it bumper sticker platitudes which make solving a huge multi-faceted problem like hunger seem simple. Ask yourself 'why are people hungry in one of the richest countries in the world?'
Tune in to hear from a continuing contributor on Food for Thought, Carrie Calvert, Managing Director of Government Relations at Feeding America. Carrie, Gerry and Phil discuss the Farm Bill and its vital interest in FBCM's work and our mission to created food security across the state.
The Farm Bill covers food production policy, land conversation and nutrition programs. It also uniquely connects the people who are producing the food to the people who are in need of food.
It's as simple as this - if you like access to safe and nutritious food, then you should care / learn more about the Farm Bill!
"Hunger is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." Winston Churchill
Data-driven decisions allows us to be more in tune with the communities we serve and gauge our effectiveness. Dr. Erin McDonald, VP of Center for Research and Learning at Feeding America and her team are leading the Map the Meal Gap study across the nation. Feeding America has undertaken the Map the Meal Gap analysis to continue learning about how the face of food insecurity can vary at the local level. By better understanding variations in local need, communities can develop more targeted strategies to better reach people struggling with hunger.
Do YOU believe this stubborn problem can be solved? Tune in!
YOU can make the different in the power of one, but WE can make an impact!
This week provides a breath of fresh air from the strong forces behind the Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan Agent Charitable Fund. The Agent Charitable Fund started organically and has really evolved and became successful because of the collective effort across the state. These agents are a serious group of people who are committed to help solve the problem of food insecurity. Tune in to hear from Merrick Maris, Nick Hurst and Nolan Kamer!
Learn more about the Farm Bureau Insurance Agent Charitable Fund: http://bit.ly/2Gc5TaD
You also get to hear from Patrick Mixis, Head Chef at Feed The World Cafe - where every meal purchased provides one or more meals to the local community. Check them out!
'Together we are not simply adding, but we are multiplying our influence to build the momentum and insight necessary to move the hunger needle across our state.' As Phil often says, one is too small of a number to multiply, and the work of creating food security cannot be done by one person.
Tune in to hear from Dave Hodgkins, Government Relations Director of American Heart Association Mid-Michigan. Dave, Phil and Gerry discuss their partnership through an amazing program, My Neighborhood Mobile Grocery (MNMG). MNMG sole purpose is provide and maintain access to healthy and nutritious food for the people who can't quite close the gap. 100% of the food for MNMG is purchased from low cost and healthy sources throughout MI.
AWESOME fact: our food bankers across MI can stretch $1 to $16 - now that's impressive, right?!
'Ordinary doing the extraordinary' - this fits Stephen Ritz to a T. Stephen Ritz - author, educator, innovator and urban farmer is investing his one handful of life in the youth of his community. His leadership journey took him from the Bronx to the White House and back simply because he cared what kids were eating, how often they were attending school and if they were graduating.
'The Green Graffiti, an urban farming revolution, has taken Stephen and his students from their Greenhouse to the White House and from hope to the Pope.' Intrigued about the revolution? Learn more about it - Green Bronx Machine and / or read Stephen's book "The Power of a Plant."
Stephen, as well as Phil, Gerry and the rest of the food bank network believe: kids who aren't well fed, will not be well read. This makes total sense, right?!
Health is related to the quality of life and the ability to achieve from the cradle to the grave.
Did you know that Michigan is the 34th healthiest state in the U.S. and 35th in reading level? Michigan is known as the comeback state, but not in some of the fundamental areas where it matters most. The healthier a state, the higher the education level outcome - sensible and significant relationship, don't you think?
Tune in to hear from an impactful influencer, Rob Casalou, CEO of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Rob has spent the last 28 years in health systems and his leadership originates from his character and is truly the essence of who he is. Rob, Phil and Gerry discuss the triple aim of healthcare, the priority of food in social programming and so many awesome programs that St. Joseph Mercy Health System has created!
Choice is a precious commodity; a powerful influencer, and too often, a scarcity.
Alisa Craig, Administrator for the Wellness Population and Health Management at Hurley Medical Center, does just that - she offers her clients choices. Hurley Medical Center has been taking care of patients for 110 years, but over the past year and a half, they have been working on Food FARMacy. The idea is that the patients who are food insecure could come and get medically tailored food. People who are food insecure suffer from the toxic stressors such as, not knowing where their next meal will come or having to make the choice of providing your Type 1 Diabetic with insulin or paying your electric bill - NO ONE should have to make these decisions. What do the majority of prescriptions advise you to do: take with FOOD!
"We live life moving forward, but we understand it looking backwards."
Each one of us are only given ONE handful of life - not two, not three only one. Jim Robinson, CEO of Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan has chosen to use his handful of life by creating a legacy of giving and a career of caring. The Michigan Farm Bureau is the family of companies and their foundation is solely around family.
Jim is the initial sponsor of Food for Thought and is a strong force behind moving the needle of child hunger. "You can't solve a problem if you don't think it can be solved."
Tune into hear Jim rev his engine up about the wrap-around services that Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan is a part of - it is so awesome!
Tune in this week to hear from Carl Bednarski, president of Michigan Farm Bureau, the true voice of agriculture and the family of companies. Carl shares his wide depth and knowledge of agriculture to food security - from food waste from the field to the restaurant.
Did you know that approx. 20 BILLION pounds of fruit and vegetables are left in the field / discarded every year due to labor shortages or the produce's imperfections? Imperfect produce is often referred to as Grade B or #2's. Since 1990, the Food Bank Council of Michigan has partnered with Michigan farmers to help move their fresh produce, dairy and eggs in the secondary market - in 2017, 51,170,103 pounds of #2 produce were distributed!
"Values are the stable long-lasting beliefs about what is important to a person." When doing our work, the Food Bank Council of Michigan along with our fellow food bankers, strive to honor honesty and serve our clients with integrity and respect.
Did you know that 62% of the wages are below $20? Yes, unemployment is low, but people are still really struggling to make ends meet.
Tune in to hear from Mike Larson, CEO and President of Michigan Association of United Ways discuss the influential work and partnerships they have made across the state of Michigan. MAUW is about building and supporting the local United Ways with the work they're doing at the ground level.
Patty Parker, Executive Director of Food Bank of South Central Michigan also shares about FBSCM's strong partnerships with the local United Ways in their service area.
Tune in to hear from the inspiring Joe Garcia, Executive Director of Cristo Rey Community Center. Dating all the way to back to 1968, Cristo Rey Community Center has always been based around people helping people and it being many peoples safety net organization. Cristo Rey provides so much more than a healthy and nutritious meal - they provide medical practice, counseling services and financial education. Joe said it best: "there's no prerequisites to care."
Interested in learning more about Cristo Rey Community Center - visit their website: https://www.cristoreycommunity.org/
Hunger is not bigger than we are, hunger is not better than we are, and it's beyond us to solve.
We all know about opposable thumbs. But, what about the opposable mind? Tune in to hear the thought-provoking topic of the opposable mind: using integrative thinking in order to create tension between ideas and apply that result of that tension to problems that thus far has escaped our mastery. Does food insecurity cause poverty or vice versa? Phil and Gerry delve into the chicken and the egg conversation about food insecurity and poverty.
Today marks the one year anniversary of the award winning Food for Thought show - it is the only show in the country to discuss food security in holistic manner George Santayana said it best, "those who do not understand history are condemned to repeat it."
Tune in to hear Phil and Gerry delve into the core beliefs about hunger and discuss the data that has come along side of it. Most importantly - they discuss the 5 reasons why we believe food insecurity can be SOLVED - it's truly powerful!
It's cheaper to help people keep up than it is to have people catch up.
Vision is often described as a picture of a better tomorrow. With 2018 just beginning, resolutions are being made and new visions of tomorrow are being created with many following the mantra of 'try, learn, fail - REPEAT.' What is your vision for 2018?
Tom Nelson, CEO of No Kid Hungry, shares his vision for the nation: solve food insecurity. Tom is singing the food bank network's song that food insecurity is SOLVABLE!
Did you know that 1 in 6 children do not know where their next meal is coming from? Tom and the rest of his team at No Kid Hungry - Share our Strength are standing in the gap for children across the nation. To learn more about No Kid Hungry - visit: ttps://www.nokidhungry.org/
Did you know that MSU Extension has existed for 103 years?! Tune in to hear how Jeff Dwyer, Director of Michigan State University Extension is bringing new life and leadership to MSU Extension! Jeff, Phil and Gerry discuss so many awesome topics of MSU Extension's impactful work: partnerships throughout the state, mental / behavioral health outreach, and being the outreach extensions arm of MSU.
If you don't feel like feel like food insecurity can be solved - how can you hope for it?
Food for Thought: Apathy, benign acceptance and unbelief are 3 of the most stall-work challenges we face in creating positive change.
Tune in to hear from the influential Ron Hendrick, Dean of Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Ron discusses the value of impact that the Food @ MSU http://food.msu.edu/ is creating across the state of MI, the new "At Our Table" event and the true value of innovative solutions.
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
This week's show is one of the BEST yet! Tune in to hear from Cindy Estrada, VP and Director of UAW-GM - she discusses the cyclical problems that manufacturer workers face with passion and intellect.
Manufacturer workers are putting in a full day’s work, but can't put food on the table for their families due to wages and healthcare. Did you know that 600,000 manufacturer workers are making $9.60 or less? Policy must change.
Food for Thought: America loves her overcomers - the ones who defy the odds, the Rocky's of our world. But, we aren't too fond of the ones who continue to struggle. The ones who struggle to survive, not thrive.
Tune in this week to hear from the remarkable Carrie Calvert, Managing Director of Tax Policy and Commodities on behalf of Feeding America. Carrie discusses the impact of both the Farm and Tax Bill. If the Tax Bill is passed, there will be a 13 billion dollar drop in giving to charities, which in turn will drastically affect the economic impact of the people we're serving.
Solving hunger is cheaper than NOT solving hunger. Gerry said it best - "We need to do MORE and we need to do BETTER."
Did you know that 10 out of the 38 million acres of Michigan's land are farmed? Tune in this week to hear from Scott Piggott, CEO of Michigan Farm Bureau. Scott discusses the impact of farming and agriculture has on the state of MI as well as their mobile science labs. With their mobile science labs, MI Farm Bureau has reached 7500 students - this is an awesome partnership with the teachers and schools around the state!
Can we talk? Our system traps the people who are striving to survive and have a vision for their future. How do we structure the benefits to reward work? Tune in to hear from the oh-so-talented Markell Miller, Director of Community Food Programs of Food Gatherers. Food Gatherers has provided 6.5 million pounds of food to the Washtenaw community this year! Markell discusses their innovative programming: Cookstars and the Job Training Program. Want to learn more about Food Gatherers and their awesome work? Check them out: http://www.foodgatherers.org/ Phil and Gerry also delve into the difference of the Self-Sufficiency Standard and the Poverty Measure. FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and fbcmich.org
Can we talk? Our system traps the people who are striving to survive and have a vision for their future. How do we structure the benefits to reward work? Tune in to hear from the oh-so-talented Markell Miller, Director of Community Food Programs of Food Gatherers. Food Gatherers has provided 6.5 million pounds of food to the Washtenaw community this year! Markell discusses their innovative programming: Cookstars and the Job Training Program. Want to learn more about Food Gatherers and their awesome work? Check them out: http://www.foodgatherers.org/ Phil and Gerry also delve into the difference of the Self-Sufficiency Standard and the Poverty Measure. FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and fbcmich.org
Can we talk? Our system traps the people who are striving to survive and have a vision for their future. How do we structure the benefits to reward work? Tune in to hear from the oh-so-talented Markell Miller, Director of Community Food Programs of Food Gatherers. Food Gatherers has provided 6.5 million pounds of food to the Washtenaw community this year! Markell discusses their innovative programming: Cookstars and the Job Training Program. Want to learn more about Food Gatherers and their awesome work? Check them out: http://www.foodgatherers.org/ Phil and Gerry also delve into the difference of the Self-Sufficiency Standard and the Poverty Measure. FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and fbcmich.org
Can we talk? Our system traps the people who are striving to survive and have a vision for their future. How do we structure the benefits to reward work? Tune in to hear from the oh-so-talented Markell Miller, Director of Community Food Programs of Food Gatherers. Food Gatherers has provided 6.5 million pounds of food to the Washtenaw community this year! Markell discusses their innovative programming: Cookstars and the Job Training Program. Want to learn more about Food Gatherers and their awesome work? Check them out: http://www.foodgatherers.org/ Phil and Gerry also delve into the difference of the Self-Sufficiency Standard and the Poverty Measure. FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and fbcmich.org
Can we talk? Our system traps the people who are striving to survive and have a vision for their future. How do we structure the benefits to reward work? Tune in to hear from the oh-so-talented Markell Miller, Director of Community Food Programs of Food Gatherers. Food Gatherers has provided 6.5 million pounds of food to the Washtenaw community this year! Markell discusses their innovative programming: Cookstars and the Job Training Program. Want to learn more about Food Gatherers and their awesome work? Check them out: http://www.foodgatherers.org/ Phil and Gerry also delve into the difference of the Self-Sufficiency Standard and the Poverty Measure. FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and fbcmich.org
FOOD FIRST, not second, and certainly not third. "When we say put 'food first', we're not just using flowery words - we're actually putting a whole lot of substance underneath that to understand the food chain." - Gerry Brisson
The Paul W. Smith Show discusses how you only have one problem if you're hungry.
Ken Estelle, President and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan discusses the IQF Project. What is IQF? Individual Quick Freezing - intrigued? Then, tune in!
Diane Golzynski, Assistant Director Office of School Support Services of Michigan Department of Education shares that "the last thing children should EVER have to worry about is they're going to be able to eat... Food security allows the kids to their job: be a kid and be a learner!"
FOOD FIRST, not second, and certainly not third. "When we say put 'food first', we're not just using flowery words - we're actually putting a whole lot of substance underneath that to understand the food chain." - Gerry Brisson
The Paul W. Smith Show discusses how you only have one problem if you're hungry.
Ken Estelle, President and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan discusses the IQF Project. What is IQF? Individual Quick Freezing - intrigued? Then, tune in!
Diane Golzynski, Assistant Director Office of School Support Services of Michigan Department of Education shares that "the last thing children should EVER have to worry about is they're going to be able to eat... Food security allows the kids to their job: be a kid and be a learner!"
FOOD FIRST, not second, and certainly not third. "When we say put 'food first', we're not just using flowery words - we're actually putting a whole lot of substance underneath that to understand the food chain." - Gerry Brisson
The Paul W. Smith Show discusses how you only have one problem if you're hungry.
Ken Estelle, President and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan discusses the IQF Project. What is IQF? Individual Quick Freezing - intrigued? Then, tune in!
Diane Golzynski, Assistant Director Office of School Support Services of Michigan Department of Education shares that "the last thing children should EVER have to worry about is they're going to be able to eat... Food security allows the kids to their job: be a kid and be a learner!"
FOOD FIRST, not second, and certainly not third. "When we say put 'food first', we're not just using flowery words - we're actually putting a whole lot of substance underneath that to understand the food chain." - Gerry Brisson
The Paul W. Smith Show discusses how you only have one problem if you're hungry.
Ken Estelle, President and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan discusses the IQF Project. What is IQF? Individual Quick Freezing - intrigued? Then, tune in!
Diane Golzynski, Assistant Director Office of School Support Services of Michigan Department of Education shares that "the last thing children should EVER have to worry about is they're going to be able to eat... Food security allows the kids to their job: be a kid and be a learner!"
FOOD FIRST, not second, and certainly not third. "When we say put 'food first', we're not just using flowery words - we're actually putting a whole lot of substance underneath that to understand the food chain." - Gerry Brisson
The Paul W. Smith Show discusses how you only have one problem if you're hungry.
Ken Estelle, President and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan discusses the IQF Project. What is IQF? Individual Quick Freezing - intrigued? Then, tune in!
Diane Golzynski, Assistant Director Office of School Support Services of Michigan Department of Education shares that "the last thing children should EVER have to worry about is they're going to be able to eat... Food security allows the kids to their job: be a kid and be a learner!"
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill
The season of giving is fast upon us, as is the 2017 Michigan Harvest Gathering (MHG). Want to learn more about what MHG really does the food insecure throughout our great state? Then tune in tonight! Or, visit https://www.fbcmich.org/resourc…/michigan-harvest-gathering/ to make a direct impact.
Two of our amazing MHG sponsors join Phil and Gerry for this week's show. Carolyn Bloodworth, Director of Corporate Giving of Consumers Energy. Carolyn shares that Consumers has been a vital part of MHG for 25 of the 27 years - how awesome is that?! Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for MHG - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals!
Food for Thought: Not everything that comes to me, is for me.
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill
The season of giving is fast upon us, as is the 2017 Michigan Harvest Gathering (MHG). Want to learn more about what MHG really does the food insecure throughout our great state? Then tune in tonight! Or, visit https://www.fbcmich.org/resourc…/michigan-harvest-gathering/ to make a direct impact.
Two of our amazing MHG sponsors join Phil and Gerry for this week's show. Carolyn Bloodworth, Director of Corporate Giving of Consumers Energy. Carolyn shares that Consumers has been a vital part of MHG for 25 of the 27 years - how awesome is that?! Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for MHG - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals!
Food for Thought: Not everything that comes to me, is for me.
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill
The season of giving is fast upon us, as is the 2017 Michigan Harvest Gathering (MHG). Want to learn more about what MHG really does the food insecure throughout our great state? Then tune in tonight! Or, visit https://www.fbcmich.org/resourc…/michigan-harvest-gathering/ to make a direct impact.
Two of our amazing MHG sponsors join Phil and Gerry for this week's show. Carolyn Bloodworth, Director of Corporate Giving of Consumers Energy. Carolyn shares that Consumers has been a vital part of MHG for 25 of the 27 years - how awesome is that?! Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for MHG - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals!
Food for Thought: Not everything that comes to me, is for me.
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill
The season of giving is fast upon us, as is the 2017 Michigan Harvest Gathering (MHG). Want to learn more about what MHG really does the food insecure throughout our great state? Then tune in tonight! Or, visit https://www.fbcmich.org/resourc…/michigan-harvest-gathering/ to make a direct impact.
Two of our amazing MHG sponsors join Phil and Gerry for this week's show. Carolyn Bloodworth, Director of Corporate Giving of Consumers Energy. Carolyn shares that Consumers has been a vital part of MHG for 25 of the 27 years - how awesome is that?! Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for MHG - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals!
Food for Thought: Not everything that comes to me, is for me.
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill
The season of giving is fast upon us, as is the 2017 Michigan Harvest Gathering (MHG). Want to learn more about what MHG really does the food insecure throughout our great state? Then tune in tonight! Or, visit https://www.fbcmich.org/resourc…/michigan-harvest-gathering/ to make a direct impact.
Two of our amazing MHG sponsors join Phil and Gerry for this week's show. Carolyn Bloodworth, Director of Corporate Giving of Consumers Energy. Carolyn shares that Consumers has been a vital part of MHG for 25 of the 27 years - how awesome is that?! Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for MHG - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals!
Food for Thought: Not everything that comes to me, is for me.
"I found myself at a point in my life where I had to reinvent myself."
This week the roles have been reversed - co-host Gerry Brisson, President of Gleaners Community Food Bank interviews Phil. Phil shares his hardships and strength of how life can happen to anyone and how he knows from experience, when you're hungry, you only have one problem.
"Sometimes when you choose to do the right thing, it costs you something."
On this week's show, Dr. Stephen Borders, PhD, MSHP, discusses the Michigan Mapped project to create a map of Michigan indicating where food insecurity exists.
"Too many kids are struggling in our state to have their basic needs met - whether it's clean water, food, or a stable home environment. These are fundamental needs that until we meet them, we can't ever even expect that they can study, get educated, or be productive citizens." - Gretchen Whitmer
"If FBCM and our 7 member food banks can take food insecurity off of the table - most people can solve the rest of the problems themselves." - Phil Knight
As always, the lineup for Food for Thought is phenomenal! Tune in to hear from Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association. Brian discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for the Michigan Harvest Gathering - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals! MHA is not just talking the talk, but they are walking the walk!
Susan Hawkins, Senior VP of Population Health of Henry Ford Health System, and co-host Gerry Brisson, President of Gleaners Community Food Bank discuss their new pilots and partnership between Gleaners and Henry Ford Health System. Susan is a true leader and inspiration in the health system community. She is responsible for providing administrative leadership in the development and implementation of a system-wide approach to population health in order to drive improved outcomes at a lower cost.
As always, the lineup for Food for Thought is phenomenal! Tune in to hear from Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association. Brian discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for the Michigan Harvest Gathering - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals! MHA is not just talking the talk, but they are walking the walk!
Susan Hawkins, Senior VP of Population Health of Henry Ford Health System, and co-host Gerry Brisson, President of Gleaners Community Food Bank discuss their new pilots and partnership between Gleaners and Henry Ford Health System. Susan is a true leader and inspiration in the health system community. She is responsible for providing administrative leadership in the development and implementation of a system-wide approach to population health in order to drive improved outcomes at a lower cost.
As always, the lineup for Food for Thought is phenomenal! Tune in to hear from Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association. Brian discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for the Michigan Harvest Gathering - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals! MHA is not just talking the talk, but they are walking the walk!
Susan Hawkins, Senior VP of Population Health of Henry Ford Health System, and co-host Gerry Brisson, President of Gleaners Community Food Bank discuss their new pilots and partnership between Gleaners and Henry Ford Health System. Susan is a true leader and inspiration in the health system community. She is responsible for providing administrative leadership in the development and implementation of a system-wide approach to population health in order to drive improved outcomes at a lower cost.
As always, the lineup for Food for Thought is phenomenal! Tune in to hear from Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association. Brian discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for the Michigan Harvest Gathering - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals! MHA is not just talking the talk, but they are walking the walk!
Susan Hawkins, Senior VP of Population Health of Henry Ford Health System, and co-host Gerry Brisson, President of Gleaners Community Food Bank discuss their new pilots and partnership between Gleaners and Henry Ford Health System. Susan is a true leader and inspiration in the health system community. She is responsible for providing administrative leadership in the development and implementation of a system-wide approach to population health in order to drive improved outcomes at a lower cost.
As always, the lineup for Food for Thought is phenomenal! Tune in to hear from Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association. Brian discusses the 20 year partnership between FBCM and MHA for the Michigan Harvest Gathering - with that amazing partnership, MHA has provided more than 3.5 MILLION meals! MHA is not just talking the talk, but they are walking the walk!
Susan Hawkins, Senior VP of Population Health of Henry Ford Health System, and co-host Gerry Brisson, President of Gleaners Community Food Bank discuss their new pilots and partnership between Gleaners and Henry Ford Health System. Susan is a true leader and inspiration in the health system community. She is responsible for providing administrative leadership in the development and implementation of a system-wide approach to population health in order to drive improved outcomes at a lower cost.
How does work in the charitable world impact manufacturing and make it more productive?
Tune in to hear from Chuck Hadden, CEO of Michigan Manufacturers Association. MMA is the go-to organization for Michigan manufacturers and works hard for fair legislation and fair regulations. MMA is extremely committed to its standing values of trust, leadership, knowledge, influence, and relationship building — all for the continued success of the state’s largest and most vital industry.
How does work in the charitable world impact manufacturing and make it more productive?
Tune in to hear from Chuck Hadden, CEO of Michigan Manufacturers Association. MMA is the go-to organization for Michigan manufacturers and works hard for fair legislation and fair regulations. MMA is extremely committed to its standing values of trust, leadership, knowledge, influence, and relationship building — all for the continued success of the state’s largest and most vital industry.
How does work in the charitable world impact manufacturing and make it more productive?
Tune in to hear from Chuck Hadden, CEO of Michigan Manufacturers Association. MMA is the go-to organization for Michigan manufacturers and works hard for fair legislation and fair regulations. MMA is extremely committed to its standing values of trust, leadership, knowledge, influence, and relationship building — all for the continued success of the state’s largest and most vital industry.
How does work in the charitable world impact manufacturing and make it more productive?
Tune in to hear from Chuck Hadden, CEO of Michigan Manufacturers Association. MMA is the go-to organization for Michigan manufacturers and works hard for fair legislation and fair regulations. MMA is extremely committed to its standing values of trust, leadership, knowledge, influence, and relationship building — all for the continued success of the state’s largest and most vital industry.
How does work in the charitable world impact manufacturing and make it more productive?
Tune in to hear from Chuck Hadden, CEO of Michigan Manufacturers Association. MMA is the go-to organization for Michigan manufacturers and works hard for fair legislation and fair regulations. MMA is extremely committed to its standing values of trust, leadership, knowledge, influence, and relationship building — all for the continued success of the state’s largest and most vital industry.
It's here, it's here! The Self-Sufficiency Standard Report for Michigan has been published! Tune in to hear all about it from Phil, Gerry and Dr. Diana Pearce, Director of Center for Women's Welfare and Professor at University of Washington.
FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and www.fbcmich.org
It's here, it's here! The Self-Sufficiency Standard Report for Michigan has been published! Tune in to hear all about it from Phil, Gerry and Dr. Diana Pearce, Director of Center for Women's Welfare and Professor at University of Washington.
FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and www.fbcmich.org
It's here, it's here! The Self-Sufficiency Standard Report for Michigan has been published! Tune in to hear all about it from Phil, Gerry and Dr. Diana Pearce, Director of Center for Women's Welfare and Professor at University of Washington.
FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and www.fbcmich.org
It's here, it's here! The Self-Sufficiency Standard Report for Michigan has been published! Tune in to hear all about it from Phil, Gerry and Dr. Diana Pearce, Director of Center for Women's Welfare and Professor at University of Washington.
FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and www.fbcmich.org
It's here, it's here! The Self-Sufficiency Standard Report for Michigan has been published! Tune in to hear all about it from Phil, Gerry and Dr. Diana Pearce, Director of Center for Women's Welfare and Professor at University of Washington.
FBCM published the SSS for Michigan 2017 in an effort to ensure the best data and analyses are available to enable Michigan’s families and individuals to make progress toward real economic security. The result is a comprehensive, credible, and user-friendly tool. The SSS calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The SSS, plus tables providing county-specific information for over 700 family types, is available online at www.selfsufficiencystandard.org/michigan and www.fbcmich.org
Tune in to hear about several different areas of relief for the Hurricane Harvey victims. Turn the dial to News Talk - 760 am WJR at 9 pm or catch up with the podcasts linked below.
This week is a line up of #trueheroes that are working tirelessly to provide relief for the Hurricane Harvey victims.
With more than 50 inches of rainfall, #HurricaneHarvey has been classified as the most extreme rain event in the nation's history. Do you want to help, but not sure how? Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, shares how to help - please DONATE at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/harvey-food-relief. Greg Martin, Executive Director and Founder of DRAW (Disaster Relief At Work) shares his experiences with helping in Texas. Greg and his team provide customized buckets full of supplies for disaster victims.
Paul Robbins, Attorney in Nacogdoches and Lufkin TX, discusses how the communities have truly come together during this tragedy. Paul also shared how he has opened up his office to provide relief for surround areas.
Rick Murdock, ACE Initiative Grant Coordinator
Tune in this week to hear about the ACE Study from Rick Murdock, ACE Initiative Grant Coordinator for @Michigan Association of Health Plans. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE) is a research study conducted by the American health maintenance organization Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants were recruited to the study between 1995 and 1997 and have been in long-term follow up for health outcomes.
Rick discusses how the toxic stress that children feel and the impact it has on brain development and their ability to deal with issues within their environment and future issues with healthcare. "65% of children in MI have experienced an ACE".
The Self-Sufficiency Standard
You can't solve food security with a "one size fits all" solution! This week Phil and Gerry delve into The Self-Sufficiency Standard (SSS) for Michigan. The SSS provides the most comprehensive and up to date overview of what it takes for a family to be self-sufficient without the use of public or private assistance. Gerry also shares some of the most heartfelt words about his life experiences and why he does what he does for our mission.
The Self-Sufficiency Standard Report release date is September 8th - keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Liana Bennett and Joe Wald’s response to the Mid-MI Flooding crisis
Food banks are often the first one to arrive and the last one to leave in a crisis. WHY? Because we are already serving in the community before the crisis arrives.
Tune in to hear about crisis management from Liana Bennett, Consultant for the Household Distribution Program with Michigan Department of Education. Liana discusses the response / role of MDE during flood crisis in Mid-Michigan. As well as Joe Wald, Executive Director, Greater Lansing Food Bank talking about what REALLY happens during a crisis?!
Dr. Robert Bouvier
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ― Hippocrates Tune in to hear from Dr. Robert Bouvier. Dr. Bouvier specializes in Internal Medicine and practices in the Grand Blanc area. Dr. Bouvier elaborates on how FOOD IS MEDICINE and many illnesses and ailments can be reversed by diet and exercise.
Dr. Stephen Borders, Associate Professor, School of Public and Nonprofit Administration at Grand Valley State University discussing MI Mapped.
MI Mapped is created through the Geographic Informational System (GIS) - a GIS lets us visualize, question, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends.
Food FIRST, not second and certainly not third! This week's show features Paul W, host of The Paul W. Smith Show; Ken Estelle, President and CEO of Feeding America West Michigan; and Dr. Diane Golzynski, State Childhood Nutrition Director of Michigan Department of Education.
Diane hits the nail on the head, "The last thing on earth that these children should worry about is if they are going to EAT!"
This week's line up is jam packed with influential leaders: Ric DeVore, Regional President of Detroit and Southeast MI, PNC Financial Services Group; Rick Hampson, President, Citizens Bank; Rachel Hurst, Public Affairs Manager, Kroger Co. of Michigan; and Paul Hillegonds, CEO, Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
This week's conversation is with Dr. Diane Golzynski, State Childhood Nutrition Director, Michigan Department of Education. "If it involves food going to the hungry children in Michigan, then it goes through MDE and my office." Our Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan moment features Scott Thomas. Scott is from from Sanilac County and is the Young Farmer Agriculture Employee Award winner. The Agriculture Employee Award is designed to recognize successful young agriculturalists, employed by a farm or agribusiness, for outstanding leadership in farming and contributions to the long-term profitability of the operation on which he/she works. Scott works for a large grain operation in Sanilac County.
This week's line up is remarkable! Bill Kerr, President, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan discusses how the food bank and the community of Flint banded together during the Flint Water Crisis. State Senator Jim Ananich shares his passion on taking care of his constituents in Genesee County. “The Food Bank Council is amazing at finding a little bit of resources and stretching them to a place where it helps so many people.”
Our Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan moment features Natalie Pennington. Natalie and her husband operate Hardy Harvest Farm in Mecosta County - donating surplus to the food bank in Remus. In addition, Natalie is the 2017 winner of the Young Agriculture Leader Award. The Young Agriculture Leader Award recognizes young farmers for outstanding leadership roles in Farm Bureau, agriculture and the local community.
This week you get to hear from Todd Gustafson, CEO, Kinexus. Todd has been driving their re-positioning into a nationally recognized community development organization since 2005! He discusses economic development, workforce development, community development and the Employee Resource Network. Our Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan moment features Kathy Siler. Kathy has done an incredible job promoting agriculture in Washtenaw County through the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau social media!
This week features Vic Verchereau, VP of Marketing, Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan. Vic has his finger on the pulse of the future!
Our Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan moment features Kevin Messing. Kevin and his wife Sarah have are winners of the Excellence in Agriculture Award. This award recognizes a successful young individual or couple, who does not derive the majority of their income from normal production risk, for involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Kevin and Sarah are very active in Farm Bureau and the agriculture industry.
'Leadership is defined by influence - nothing more, nothing less'. Congressman Dan Kildee is a voice for the people of his hometown, Flint, during a time of 'emerge or shrink' due to the Flint Water Crisis. Congressman Kildee discusses his proposed bill 'Get the Lead Out' and more!
Our Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan moment features Helen Dietrich. Helen and her husband Alan, operate Ridgeview Orchards in Ottawa County. They have donated several TONS of surplus apples and asparagus over the past several years depending on the season etc! How awesome is this?!
Gordon Wenk, Chief Deputy Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD. Gordon is an invaluable leader - he has overall administrative management responsibility for ALL divisions within MDARD! Our Farm Bureau Insurance Michigan moment features Matt Scramlin. Matt is the president of Oakland County Farm Bureau. Matt has been very instrumental in getting our FARM Science Lab off the ground. The purpose of the FARM Science lab is to bring agriculture to students through science and STEM education.
Ken Nobis, president of Michigan Milk Producers Association, shares how MMPA donated 100 gallons of milk / day for 365 days for their 100th anniversary - what a gift!
Phil and Gerry also talk with State Senator Peter MacGregor - "Why not us, why not now?" Senator MacGregor is a true hunger champion!
This week's "Food for Thought" guest is one of our very own - Kirk Mayes, CEO of Forgotten Harvest!
Kirk shares his story of how his passion of doing more got him to where he is today, takes an in depth look at data, and discusses food rescue. Kirk is a thought LEADER!
This week's 'Food for Thought' guest is Dr. Diana Pearce, Director of Center for Women's Welfare, University of Washington. Dr. Pearce discusses the Self-Sufficiency Standard study.The SSS describes how much income is needed for a family in a given place to adequately meet their basic needs without public or private assistance.
Be sure to catch this week's show with Donna Murray-Brown, President and CEO, of Michigan Nonprofit Association.