Feeding MI Families
Community Food Advocacy Fellowship
The Community Food Advocacy Fellowship (CFAF) is an 8-month training program to empower parents to advocate for greater access to healthy food in their communities.
15 parents from across Michigan who have experienced food insecurity will be invited to join CFAF
beginning in March 2024
Our current application cycle is closed and applications are being reviewed.
Detailed information on CFAF is available in the drop-down sections below.
Please email foodadvocacy@umich.edu with questions.
CFAF is hosted by the University of Michigan School of Public Health and supported by a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
What is CFAF?
CFAF is an 8 month advocacy training program that will run between March 2024 and October 2024.
CFAF is for Michigan parents who have struggled to have enough food for their families – and who want to use their knowledge to create change.
15 Michigan parents will be invited to join the first cohort of Fellows.
Training topics include Introduction to Advocacy, Food Assistance for Michigan Families, Storytelling for Advocacy, and Working with Community Organizations.
Fellows will be connected to community organizations and advocacy opportunities that align with their interests.
Fellows will spend approximately 6 hours per month participating in activities.
Fellows will receive $2,500 for completing the Fellowship.
When and where are CFAF activities?
CFAF includes,
Two in-person events in March 2024 and October 2024 - Fellows' travel, hotel, and meals will be paid for
Online group trainings two times every month in between - held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 5:30-7:30 starting in April 2024
Individual online coaching sessions held one time each month at a time convenient for you
Who can participate in CFAF?
Michigan parents who have experienced food insecurity
Michigan parents who want to fight for healthier children, families, and communities
Michigan parents who can commit to attending at least 80% of Fellowship activities
What can I do with CFAF training?
After graduation, Fellows can play critical roles in increasing food security in Michigan by:
Sharing stories with elected officials
Advocating for improved federal, state, and local laws and practices
Attending and presenting at community events
Joining the leadership of community organizations
Speaking with national and local news media
Fellows can also join the CFAF Speakers’ Bureau after graduation. If you join the Speakers’ Bureau, we will promote you as an expert in community food advocacy and you may be called on to share your story with organizations across the state and nationwide.
