Kent County Food Policy Council

10/08/2026

Stay up to date on all KCFPC and community news, events, and jobs this fall and winter by subscribing to our monthly newsletter!

Visit https://kentfoodpolicy.org/get-involved/ to subscribe.

(🍴Have something you want to share with your community? Reach out to us on socials or send us an email to have your event, resource, or job posting included!)

10/01/2026

Volunteer opportunity coming up! Check it out.

10/01/2026

Thanks to our friends at Access of West Michigan for showing the interconnection of transportation and food access.

What if getting to work required three buses?

World Car Free Day, recognized each September 22, encourages communities around the world to rethink transportation and car dependence.

For some people, going car-free is a choice.

For others, not having reliable transportation is an everyday barrier.

Work. Groceries. Medical appointments. School pickup. Assistance programs.

Without reliable transportation, everyday tasks can take hours.

Transportation is one of the barriers we explore in Poverty Education because poverty isn’t simply about how much money someone has.

It’s also about what someone can access.

Before asking, “Why didn’t they just…?”

Let’s understand what “just” actually requires.

Learn more about Poverty Education:
https://accessofwestmichigan.org/poverty-education/

09/29/2026

Last week, the Kent County Food Policy Council hosted a screening of Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land in partnership with .

We were joined by four panelists who shared their wisdom and experiences in farming and agriculture. The film and conversation offered an opportunity to reflect on the connections between land, food, culture, and justice, and learn from those working toward a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared space with us, and a special shoutout to for providing the delicious popcorn. Check them out!

To see more of our panelists, visit their pages here! Black Farmer Bae

09/23/2026

A good food system makes room for many voices, perspectives, and ways of growing and sharing food. Diversity makes our food system stronger and more resilient. ❤

09/23/2026

Our very own Director of Food System Innovation, Eleanor Moreno, will be speaking on a panel in Lansing this Friday about how food policy councils build civic engagement and community well-being. More details below!

Discover how Food Policy Councils drive public health, economic vitality, and community well-being. Author Nessa Richman will share practical strategies and actionable, research-based tools for building a more equitable, resilient local food system. This in-person event will also feature stories fro...

09/16/2026

Our recent SNAP Roundtable brought community members and local organizations together to talk about food security, SNAP, and how changes to the program are impacting our community.

Want to learn more about the conversation and the community response? Check out The Rapidian’s article, “Our Community Responds: Food Security and SNAP Cuts in Kent County,” for a closer look at the issues discussed and the work happening across Kent County.

The Kent County Food Policy Council and the Essential Needs Task Force gathered community leaders at a roundtable with Congresswoman Hillary Scholten to sound the alarm about the worsening food security crisis in Kent County.

09/10/2026

It's time to introduce another new council member 👋

Ashley Landis is a community advocate passionate about improving food security and strengthening neighborhood connections. She co-founded the Creston Farmers Market in Grand Rapids to increase access to fresh, local food while creating a welcoming space for community gathering and education. An avid gardener, Ashley believes that growing food and sharing knowledge can empower individuals and build more resilient communities. She is dedicated to giving back through volunteer leadership and collaborative efforts that help neighbors thrive together.

Thanks for joining us, Ashley!

09/03/2026

Thanks to all those who continue to share the importance of SNAP for our Kent County community!