Food Bank Council of Michigan Announces Retirement of CEO Dr. Phil Knight After Decade of Transformational Leadership
The Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) today announced that Dr. Phillip “Phil” Knight, the organization’s chief executive officer since November 2014, will retire at the end of September 2026.
Over more than a decade of leadership, Dr. Knight helped strengthen FBCM’s statewide hunger-relief network, advancing coordination across all 83 Michigan counties and improving access to nutritious food for more than 1.6 million Michiganders each year. During his tenure, the organization experienced meaningful growth, not only in scale but in strength.
Michigan hospitals and community partners discuss Food as Medicine strategies
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s Health Access & Community Impact Council recently convened to discuss strategies for improving health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care.
The Michigan Hunger Study 2024 is now publicly available
This first-of-its-kind statewide survey in a decade offers a comprehensive look at the households served through the Food Bank Council of Michigan member network. Conducted in partnership with Michigan State University, the study provides updated data on who is being served, the challenges they face, and how charitable food assistance intersects with employment, health, housing, and public benefits.
Leadership Update: Dawn Opel Appointed President of the Food Bank Council of Michigan
The Food Bank Council of Michigan is sharing a leadership update as the organization continues to innovate, deepen partnerships, and work collaboratively toward its mission of serving Michiganders facing food insecurity.
Hunters Feeding Michigan Breaks Record for Donated Venison
Michigan hunters helped provide more meals than ever before through the Hunters Feeding Michigan program, which connects deer donations with food banks and community organizations statewide.
Michigan Food as Medicine Summit to Bring Together Health, Policy, and Community Leaders October 7–8
On National Food as Medicine Day, September 14, the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) is announcing details of the Michigan Food as Medicine Summit (MiFAM) to be held on October 7–8, 2025 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. The Summit will convene healthcare providers, payers, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to advance the role of food and nutrition in health and health care.
Meridian and Centene Foundation Announce $1 Million Grant to FBCM
We’re proud to partner with Meridian Health Plan and the Centene Foundation to improve health and fight hunger in Southwest Michigan. Their recent $1 million grant to the Food Bank Council of Michigan supports our work in Prosperity Region 8, including food access, health equity, and rural innovation.
Michigan DNR and Food Bank Council of Michigan Partner Through Hunters Feeding Michigan Program
The Michigan DNR has contracted with FBCM to support the Hunters Feeding Michigan program, connecting hunters and food banks to provide venison to families in need.
Michigan Research Strengthens Case for Food as Medicine in Healthcare Transformation and a Drop in Food Insecurity Rates
New research evaluating a Food is Medicine (FIM) intervention at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) demonstrates significant improvements in patient health outcomes, food security, and dietary behaviors.
Food Bank Council of Michigan Welcomes Denise Donahue as Director of Communications
The Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) is proud to announce Denise Donahue as its Director of Communications. In this role, Denise will oversee all aspects of FBCM’s communication strategy, including messaging, branding, and storytelling, to enhance the organization’s mission of ending hunger in Michigan.
Food Bank Council of Michigan Launches New Website
The Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) is proud to announce the launch of its newly designed website at www.fbcmich.org. The new website features a streamlined, modern design, and improved functionality. The site was redesigned to better reflect the work of the Food Bank Council of Michigan and to highlight the services the organization offers.
Food Bank Council of Michigan Executive Director Dr. Phil Knight Appointed to National and State Advisory Councils
The Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) today announced its executive director, Dr. Phil Knight, was recently appointed to Feeding America’s National Advisory Council and the Michigan State University Extension AgBioResearch State Advisory Council.
Food Bank Council of Michigan Announces Executive Team Changes
The Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) recently announced that veteran food bank executive Marsha Keefer has joined the organization as its new chief operating officer and Dr. Dawn Opel, who formerly served as the Council’s chief operating officer and general counsel, has been promoted to chief innovation officer. She remains in her role as general counsel.