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.

In his role on the 19-member Feeding America National Advisory Council, Dr. Knight provides leadership, input, and guidance to help facilitate and execute Feeding America’s strategic plan. His participation on this advisory council gives the Food Bank Council of Michigan influence over policy decisions that impact the entire Feeding America network.

“It is an honor to represent Michigan, our members, and other state association leaders across the United States through this position,” said Dr. Knight. “Feeding America has bold goals and action plans to significantly reduce the barriers people have to food and the disparities that hold then back from becoming self-sufficient. I will try my best to help influence the influencers so hunger can come off the kitchen tables of all Americans struggling with hunger.”

Feeding America is now the largest charity in the United States and the nation’s leading anti-hunger organization. The Feeding America National Office is headquartered in Chicago, IL and through their affiliated food banks serve every county in America. Over 34 million people across the country do not have enough access to the food they want and need.

In his role on the 25-member Michigan State University Extension AgBioResearch State Advisory Council, Dr. Knight will provide regular input about emerging issues, bring forth opportunities for new collaborations and resources, and share the importance of research and educational programming with policy makers and other stakeholders.

“I am honored to serve on the MSU Extension AgBioResearch State Advisory Council,” said Dr. Knight. “I believe the mission of the Food Bank Council of Michigan and that of our partners at MSU will be advanced as we find innovative ways to work together, and this will allow Michigan to address food insecurity across the state in meaningful ways that we have not yet discovered. The work of food, climate change, and so much more intersect with our mission in some very impactful ways. I am excited to begin my work with the Council.”

The MSU Extension AgBioResearch State Advisory Council was founded in 1998 to ensure MSU Extension and AgBioResearch were, and continue to be, responsive to the issues of concern in local communities and across the industry. MSU AgBioResearch engages in innovative, leading-edge, research that combines scientific and practical expertise to generate economic prosperity, sustain natural resources, and enhance quality of life.