Tag: hunger

Access’ Food Justice Training unites community toward common goal

Cultivating solutions to food insecurity is far from a single-organization job. It requires a community of activists for the good food system. On Tuesday, April 11, Access of West Michigan hosted the Food Justice Training event to promote greater awareness of “good food system” values. In attendance were 45 members and leaders of local organizations working together to work toward food security. Organizations represented included United Church Outreach Ministries, World Renew, United Way, Hope Farms, Kids’ Food Basket and many others. The morning began with a presentation on the definitions of food justice, food security and environmental sustainability. Jeff Smith from the […]

More than taste: the definition of “Good Food”

What makes food “good”? It may be taste. If you have a sweet tooth, maybe you’d consider a decadent layered chocolate cake with fluffy whipped frosting “good”. Or for the savory side, a bowl of soup that has a harmony of seasonings and flavors singing out. That sounds good. Or based on presentation. They say we eat with our eyes, so the appearance of a plate could mean everything. Freshness is also key–does it look like it just came from the garden or was it forgotten on a counter at the back of the kitchen somewhere. At Access of West […]

40th Hunger Walk isn’t this participant’s first time around the block

Mort Zukerman is one of the many participants in Access of West Michigan’s 40th Annual Hunger Walk. Although, this isn’t his first time. Or second. Zukerman has been walking with and recruiting for the Hunger Walk for 37 years! Since the 1980s, Zukerman, 68, has been participating and encouraging others to raise awareness of food insecurity our communities. As an avid movie buff and leader in the community through the Jewish Film Festival and Cultural Council, he encourages others to get involved in social action. Zukerman has lived in Grand Rapids his entire life, except for some time in Florida. […]

Face the Facts: Housing

Myth: A house is all about the aesthetics. Truth: Where you live is an indicator of health. Turn on the TV station HGTV and you’ll get many ideas of what paint colors go together, how to furnish a living room and what color backsplash to add to your new granite counter tops. Or just add things to your wish list of what your house good be like. Yet a home is more than just a building with rooms. It’s a representation of a life. And it also affects your health. The National Center for Healthy Housing names housing as a […]

Face the Facts: SNAP Benefits

Myth: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has become inefficient and is too often abused. Truth:  SNAP provides 1 out of 7 Americans with a healthy and sustainable food source. For many families living in poverty, putting food on the table is often a difficult struggle. Even if they are working, their wages may not be sufficient to cover all necessary expenses, especially healthy groceries. With SNAP, an elderly woman can savor a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Using food benefits, a single mother can delight in buying her young son a bag of sweet, fresh […]

Face the Facts: Food Insecurity

Myth: People can find healthy foods anywhere they live Fact: 30 million Americans lack access to a supermarket within one mile of their home For millions of Americans, biting into a sweet, tasty carrot is not possible every day. Licking the fresh watermelon juice from your chin is only a special treat. In an abundance of healthy foods, people still are left to settle for a bag of chips. In 2013, nearly 30 million Americans did not have access to a grocery store within one mile of their house to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Between 6 and 9 percent […]

Poverty Simulation Staffers make the workshops happen

Our staffers are important here at Access of West Michigan. In preparation for an upcoming Poverty Simulation, volunteer staffers Mary, Cindy, Tom and Rhoeda are busy at work compiling participant packets and organizing materials. The Poverty Simulation is just one of many programs at Access of West Michigan to create solutions to poverty through education and collaboration. The goal in these seminars is to bring awareness of the realities of poverty and to encourage people to get involved. The “Living on the Edge” poverty simulation provides an opportunity for participants to walk in the shoes of someone living in a […]