The Livingston County Hunger Council has been awarded $145,000 in grant funding from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. The Livingston County Hunger Council formed in 2009 to tackle local hunger issues, eliminate the 51 percent meals gap within five years, and improve access to quality, nutritious food. In 2013 the Council received special tribute from the Governor and State Legislators recognizing Livingston as the first “hunger-secure” county in Michigan.
Since that time focus has shifted to 1) strengthening the Council’s system of quality programs and initiatives such as Community Gardens, Summer Lunch Bunch, and the Food Pantry Network, and 2) improving nutrition through education and access to local fresh produce.
This grant will allow the Council to expand and enhance those efforts even further:
• A mobile food truck for fresh produce and food services delivery into any area in the county. The truck will include folding tables and umbrellas to create instant mobile food sites.
• Refrigerators will help to extend product shelf life and diversify food options at the local food pantries.
• Expansion of the community garden programs will allow for additional sites and hoop houses which can extend the length of the growing season.
• Expansion and relocation of the Summer Lunch Bunch program into identified areas of need.
• Produce Carts at each Senior Center will provide fresh veggies and fruits over the growing season.
• Extending the Cooking Matters program to offer cooking classes throughout the county.
• Partnership with St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital to support their Prescription for Health initiative, which provides a “prescription” and tokens, to purchase fruits and vegetables for better health.
• Education and Marketing efforts to ensure all residents have awareness of and access to these services.
