MASS Means More
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.