Kent County Food Policy Council

08/24/2026

Happening in our backyard - thanks, Community Food Club, for sharing important facts about our community.

08/24/2026

Grand Rapids, check out details on the new food scrap program - drop off locations around the city.

The City of Grand Rapids is taking steps towards its long-term climate action commitments and officially launched its food scrap program, Renew Grand Rapids, Thursday. According to the City, the goal is to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions and transform organic material into nutrient-rich compost.

Residents in each ward will have access to a drop-off location:
Ward One: Lincoln Park, Garfield Park, Public Services Center
Ward Two: Fulton Street Farmer’s Market, Riverside Park
Ward Three: MLK Park, MacKay-Jaycees Park | Read more online at therapidian.org. A full link for this article will be in the comments.

Photo Credit: The City of Grand Rapids

08/20/2026

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Visit the Food Policy Council website at https://kentfoodpolicy.org/get-involved/ to subscribe!

08/12/2026

We want to take a moment to shout out an inaugural member of the Kent County Food Policy Council, Crystal Scott-Tunstall, Professor of Environmental and Sustainability Studies at Grand Valley State University.

Crystal brings a valuable perspective on education and agriculture to the Council. When it comes to the change needed in our food system, Crystal would like to see more diversity in leadership. As she says, “Representation is key to building awareness around food issues.”

And of course, we had to ask about her favorite food. The answer? Tacos! 🌮

Thank you, Crystal, for your collaboration and for the perspective you bring to the Kent County Food Policy Council!

08/06/2026

Hey, Grand Rapids! Have your say about in the upcoming Superintendent search; leadership can affect the school food system so we need your voice.

Website for Grand Rapids Public Schools

08/06/2026

An update for WIC users!

MDHHS announced that families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are now able to shop with their WIC benefits online at Meijer stores.

Online shopping will be available at all 122 Meijer stores in Michigan where WIC clients can choose between curbside pickup or home delivery. Clients can shop for WIC foods using their WIC card and non-WIC foods using a different payment method in the same transaction. Meijer is also offering free home delivery.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3TrJ1er.

08/05/2026

A stronger food system is one where good food feeds people, not landfills.

Goal three of the Food Systems Plan focuses on reducing food waste through coordinated, community-wide solutions. By strengthening food recovery networks, supporting infrastructure, and fostering collaboration across the food system, we can reduce waste while improving food access and environmental sustainability.

Reducing food waste is a shared responsibility, and meaningful progress happens when organizations, businesses, institutions, and communities work together.

07/22/2026

A good food system is a fair food system. It ensures everyone has access to healthy, affordable food while supporting the farmers, workers, and businesses who make it possible. When fairness is at the center, our communities, local economy, and future all benefit.

07/15/2026

Join us for a Community Conversation on Food Access and Nutrition to learn about food affordability, food assistance programs like SNAP, and local resources available in Kent County. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and connect with organizations working to improve food access in our community.

Register here https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=RNo4bK_x9Um3DdrfTO5U8ez0G41LUb5Ag6n9Vpe5_xRUQUVBWEYzQTJRNUI2R1pXWEhJSFBIUVg5WS4u to save your seat!

07/14/2026

A thriving local food economy strengthens our community by supporting local farmers, businesses, and access to fresh food for everyone. 🤝