Public Policy & Advocacy
The Food Bank Council of Michigan is committed to identifying and advancing policy solutions that improve the lives of people and communities in our state.
Our policy agenda reflects a statewide strategy for creating food security in Michigan. We work every day to address current needs related to food insecurity, while also leading a vision for the future towards a healthy, thriving Michigan.
Addressing food insecurity is not only about providing emergency food to people in need — it also means taking action to address the root causes of food insecurity, including poverty and systemic racism.
Through our public policy and advocacy, work we seek to provide necessary resources to food banks, enhance the nutrition safety net, and create equitable access to food for all Michiganders.
FY 2023 Policy Priorities
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State Agriculture
Ensure the State of Michigan adequately invests in food banks and understands the critical role food banks play in emergency food distribution and addressing food insecurity in Michigan.
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USDA, FNS Programs
Increase innovation and effectiveness of federal food and nutrition programs on both state and federal levels through combination of administrative, legislative, and regulatory advocacy.
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Federal Legislation
Build and maintain strong relationships with our members of Congress to influence federal legislation that impact food banks and address food insecurity.
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Healthcare
Identify strategies for reimbursement of food access programs in healthcare.
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Special Populations
Increased focus on population groups that are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, such as older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, BIPOC communities, and rural communities.
Join Us!
You can join our Advocacy efforts and become a champion for ending hunger.
Join the Michigan Alliance to Stop Hunger
The Michigan Alliance to Stop Hunger (MASH) is a collaborative group that connects monthly to provide timely information and resources on federal and state policy that impacts under-resourced individuals and communities. MASH provides updates on policy issues, guidance for action alerts, and tools to use when advocating or educating. Join our outreach list.
Learn about Federal Policy Issues
We partner with our colleagues at Feeding America to advocate on federal issues. To learn more visit their Take Action page.
Michigan Alliance to Stop Hunger
Mobilizing Partners. Shaping Policy. Empowering Michiganders.
The Michigan Alliance to Stop Hunger (MASH) is a collaborative group that connects monthly to provide timely information and resources on federal and state policy that impacts under-resourced households and communities, to address food insecurity and poverty in Michigan. MASH provides updates on policy issues, guidance for action alerts, and tools to use when advocating or educating.
MASH meetings are generally held on the 3rd Friday of every other month at 10am via Zoom, with two additional in-person meetings held in the spring and fall.
Resources
These national organizations work to end hunger and achieve food security for all residents in the United States:
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Reach Out to Us
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