Media
GRMAG: Reimagining Food Assistance
“We’ve studied a lot of work on food systems from across the nation and thought about what it could look like in our community and how we can align with best practices,” Access co-director Emma Garcia said. “We aren’t saying our food systems are bad; we’re saying food systems can be reimagined.”
GRMAG: A better food system
“One of the larger players in the food systems arena is Access of West Michigan, which cultivates system changes to promote a thriving food community for all people. Access’s Good Food Systems initiative addresses food access, health and justice through piloting affordable retail food markets (called Fresh Markets) and vegetable prescription programs at local nonprofits and clinics. In addition, Access houses a Pantry Resource Center network and helps those organizations “move toward more innovative, just and equitable neighborhood-based food solutions” (visit accessofwestmichigan.org).”
Radio Interview: Inside Access of West Michigan's Food Equity Mission
Erin Skidmore, our Good Food Systems director here at Access of West Michigan featured in a radio interview with WGVU News to spread awareness regarding our food equity mission. We are working alongside local organizations to transform food systems reflective of our Good Food values. Listen in to hear Erin talk more about the approach Access is taking to create long-term change in our community.
Special report: How COVID-19 changed Michigan's health care system for the better
Erin Skidmore, Good Food Systems Director, was interviewed about how while COVID-19 strengthened Michigan’s local food economy, it also uncovered the food system’s racist roots. At the pandemic’s onset, African-Americans living in neighborhoods without access to healthy food experienced disproportionate rates of COVID-19. Migrant and immigrant farm and food workers also saw alarming infection rates as they lacked the protections that most other frontline workers enjoyed.
Annual 'Walk for Good Food' event works to achieve an equitable food system in West Michigan
Access Walk for Good Food event works raises funds for 14 West Michigan nonprofits.
Wednesday (May 12) wraps up the annual Access Walk for Good Food event. It’s a West Michigan tradition that’s been around for more than four decades.
The 10-day walk officially kicked off May 2 and runs through today. Alaina Dobkowski, Walk For Good Food director, says what was typically a one-day 5K temporarily changed last year, due to COVID.
Rapid Growth Media Op-Ed & Radio Interview
Erin Skidmore, Good Food Systems Director published an Op-Ed in Rapid Growth Media, "Published Together: Interrupting a System of Emergency with a System of Injustice." Learn how the history of our charity food system has influenced where we are today and how we can work to make long term, systemic change. Then, listen in on a conversation between Rapid Growth Media's Publisher Tommy Allen and Erin chat more about these topics on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin.
OP-ED ARTICLERADIO INTERVIEWWZZM 13 Highlights
Access of West Michigan has their sights set on transforming West Michigan's food system. Partnering with local farmers and communities, the organization works to keep the farming industry strong to provide healthy, affordable food.
HIGHLIGHT: ACCESS & GOOD FOOD SYSTEMSHIGHLIGHT: LONG TERM INVESTMENTS
Ruminate Podcast featuring McKenzie Jackson, Access Good Food Systems Manager
In this episode, McKenzie Jackson (Program Manager for the Good Food Systems Initiative) teaches about toxic charity models, the difference between perceived and actual need, and how social good projects that feel good aren’t necessarily the ones that have the most impact.
START LISTENINGWalk for Good Food on Fox 17
Access West Michigan has kicked off a community-wide initiative to raise funds for non-profits assisting families in poverty or facing food insecurity. Walk For Good Food is an annual event, however due to the governor's stay at home order, the community is encouraged to walk on their own practicing social distancing.
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Rapid Growth Media Article on Walk for Good Food
Over the past 42 years, the Access of West Michigan Walk for Good has raised more than $6 million for dozens of local and international nonprofits addressing hunger and food insecurity. This year, the Walk is funding eight local organizations that are working hard to improve access to healthy foods and diminish other impacts of poverty.
READ ARTICLEThe Rapidian: When Crisis Mode Becomes the Norm
As the global pandemic hit our local community, food access organizations that existed before COVID-19, and those that started due to COVID-19, have worked to respond to the lack of access to food heightened by the virus and its economic impacts.
READ ARTICLE Rapid Growth Media Op-Ed & Radio Interview
Erin Skidmore, Good Food Systems Director published an Op-Ed in Rapid Growth Media, "Published Together: Interrupting a System of Emergency with a System of Injustice." Learn how the history of our charity food system has influenced where we are today and how we can work to make long term, systemic change. Then, listen in on a conversation between Rapid Growth Media's Publisher Tommy Allen and Erin chat more about these topics on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin.
OP-ED ARTICLERADIO INTERVIEWRapid Growth Media Op-Ed & Radio Interview
Erin Skidmore, Good Food Systems Director published an Op-Ed in Rapid Growth Media, "Published Together: Interrupting a System of Emergency with a System of Injustice." Learn how the history of our charity food system has influenced where we are today and how we can work to make long term, systemic change. Then, listen in on a conversation between Rapid Growth Media's Publisher Tommy Allen and Erin chat more about these topics on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin.
OP-ED ARTICLERADIO INTERVIEW