Food Security in Benzie and four other Counties

Six months ago Kris, Bill and Peter initiated a study of food security in the Grand Traverse area (Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties). Their hope was to assist in the development of a food security plan for the area. Today Kris summarized what is contained in the written report.

 

People enjoy Individual Food Security when they know that they will have enough healthy, nutritious food to feed themselves and those in their household.  Community Food Security occurs when all residents in a community can obtain a sound diet through a sustainable food system that promotes community self-reliance. The Food and Farming Network seeks to ensure that by 2020, 100% of northwest Michigan's residents will have access to an ample, high-quality diet, with 20% of the food coming from the region.

 

Kris explained that  the current study followed the model of one conducted by Food Gatherers of Ann Arbor.  The methodology used in the current study was to survey both providers and users of food pantry and other emergency meal sources.  While written questionnaires were sent to providers, oral interviews were conducted will pantry clients--some 421 of them.  Kris quoted some of the telling remarks made by these users of food pantry services.

 

As noted above, a full copy of the written report is available as a download on this website.