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.

Policy Priorities

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Federal Legislation

    Build and maintain strong relationships with our members of Congress to influence federal legislation that impact food banks and address food insecurity.

  • Healthcare

    Identify strategies for reimbursement of food access programs in healthcare.

  • 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.