The Intersection Between Nutrition Programs and Local Food Systems

The Challenge

Our state and federal government and the nonprofit sector have created a number of different programs to meet the food security needs of vulnerable populations. Programs include, but are not limited to: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which is distributed on the Michigan EBT Bridge Card,WIC (Women, Infants and Children), the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (known in Michigan as WIC and Senior Project FRESH), Nutrition Incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks, and Produce Prescription Programs. Combined, these programs create millions of dollars worth of buying power each month that Michiganders can utilize to feed their families, however navigating the process of participating in these programs and utilizing them to buy qualifying food items is not without its challenges. 

When these programs can be used to purchase food grown, raised, or produced here in Michigan, they also have the added benefit of supporting local and regional food systems and creating economic impacts for farmers, food producers, and food retailers. Again, having farmers and food retailers navigate the process of participating in these programs and accepting the wide array of currencies is not without its own set of challenges. Harnessing the potential of nutrition programs to feed Michigan families whilestrengthening local and regional food systems is what we’ll explore in this roundtable, including breakingdown some of the challenges that both consumers and retailers face in connecting around these programs. 

The Impact

Whether you advocate for food access, food justice, food security, nutrition security, or increased sales and markets for farmers and local food businesses, these programs hold potential value to those efforts among others. As long as we have children and families in Michigan that question where their next meal will come from, we will need nutrition programs to help meet that need with access and dignity. And food security will always require us to be thoughtful about how we support farmers in accessing markets and feeding their neighbors. If nothing changes, the complex web of nutrition programs will continue to snag prey on both sides of the food system- consumers who are challenged to use these programs to get their families the good food they need to thrive, and retailers who struggle to engage with these programs to meet community needs and add to their own economic well-being.