Food Bank Council of Michigan applauds House leadership for supporting Michigan Agricultural Surplus System
The Food Bank Council of Michigan today expressed its appreciation to the Michigan House of Representatives and its leadership for their continued trust in the work of the state’s food banks and their commitment to supporting families facing hunger.
The House budget preserves the governor’s proposed appropriation for the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System (MASS) as ongoing funding, a proven program that creates a reliable market for Michigan farmers and food producers while delivering fresh, nutritious food to families across the state. Established in 1990 and now replicated in more than 40 states, MASS reduces food waste, strengthens the agricultural economy, and supports food distribution in all 83 counties.
“MASS works, and it works at scale,” said Dr. Phil Knight, CEO of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “It creates dependable secondary markets for Michigan farmers and producers while delivering fresh, nutritious food to families navigating rising costs and tighter budgets. This is what smart, effective policy looks like.”
As the first program of its kind in the nation, MASS continues to demonstrate Michigan’s leadership and success. From milk to meat, and from apples to asparagus, the program delivers the food people want and need while serving as a powerful deterrent to food waste.
The Food Bank Council of Michigan appreciates the House’s approach by maintaining MASS as ongoing funding. Sustained investment ensures the infrastructure remains in place to respond at scale, supporting farmers, strengthening food banks, and meeting the needs of families across Michigan, not just today, but in the years ahead. This consistent investment also allows the Food Bank Council of Michigan member network to maintain the capacity needed to operate as a coordinated, statewide food distribution system.
About Food Bank Council of Michigan
Founded in 1984, the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) was created to implement a unified strategy to address and alleviate hunger statewide. As part of the Feeding America network, FBCM works with its regional food banks, more than 2,800 hunger relief agencies, and partners across agriculture and other sectors to support food distribution in all 83 counties. Together, this network ensures food reaches communities across Michigan. For more information, visit www.fbcmich.org.