2023 Legislative Education Day : Big Takeaways
February 5, 2025 - Emma Beauchamp
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Since 2018, the Michigan Local Food Council Network (MLFCN) has hosted Legislative Education Days events, These events at the Michigan Capitol building in Lansing bring together representatives from a variety of food policy councils and communities.
Throughout the day, attendees have the opportunity to connect with each other, as well as with legislators. MLFCN provides coaching support in advance of this event to help council members hone in on their pitches to policy makers.
A few of the attendees shared their experience from the 2023 Legislative Education Day:
Who attended?Shannon Raynard, Vice President of the Thumb Food Policy Council Number of Legislative Education Days attended:One or two. Big takeawaysDuring the event, Raynard learned ways to find common ground with legislators because food policy is a bipartisan issue. She used her time to discuss last mile food distribution and the need for cold storage for these operations to function throughout the year. Raynard also met with Washtenaw County Food Policy members who shared about their collaboration with FedUp, an organization that serves food insecure communities in Washtenaw with a food truck and truck that provides showers and laundry. “It is a great way to connect to other groups who may have a variety of ideas and programs in place,” said Raynard. Going forward, Raynard says that “I will continue to search for connections with people and policies that link food security issues.” |
Who attended?Gratia Lee, Co-Chair of the Kent County Food Policy Council Number of Legislative Education Days attended:This was Lee’s first one! Big takeawaysFrom Lee’s perspective, food issues are not a top priority for legislators. At the event, Lee took the opportunity to speak with legislators to educate them about the need for mid-size manufacturing facilities for food businesses, as well as the 10 Cents a Meal program. Next time, Lee hopes to prepare a more specific “ask” in terms of changes that can be made. Lee said that the Legislative Education Day event was very empowering! |
Who attended?Julie Brunson, Education Representative of Kent County Food Policy Council Number of Legislative Education Days attended:This was Brunson’s first one! Big takeawaysAt this event, Brunson found the opportunity to share personally with the legislators to be very encouraging. Brunson discussed the importance of empowering students through school garden and nutrition education. She said, “By providing a foundation of knowledge, affordable and accessible tools, and familiarity to get growing, students can be equipped to take back their own power and agency when it comes to food access. “ Brunson would recommend this event to others. “Yes, this event helped me understand the importance of connecting to our local legislators,” Brunson said. “I learned that collectively, we can find ways to move the 'needle' in the haystack. As community-connected individuals, we can adeptly convey the concerns and needs of our community to legislators. By closing this communication gap, we can work together to explore solutions and subsequently bring them back to our community for implementation.” |
Who attended?Kate Bauer, PhD of Feeding MI Families Number of Legislative Education Days attended:This was Bauer’s first one! Big takeawaysDuring the event, Bauer thought it was fun to talk to policy makers and said it was “not nearly as scary as I expected.” She used this opportunity to discuss reducing barriers to SNAP and other Food Access Programs with legislators. Bauer also spoke with them about reducing stigma against individuals who rely on those programs. Bauer would recommend this event to others. “Yes! There's no replacing the ability to engage in advocacy personally,” said Bauer. “Now I have a lot more confidence to reach out to my legislators.” |
Who attended?Joe Bixler, President/CEO of the Thumb Food Policy Council Number of Legislative Education Days attended:Three or more. Big takeawaysBixler used this event as an opportunity to connect with other food policy council members and to an MDARD representative. He met with legislators to assist them in understanding the relationship between food systems and food insecurity from a policy perspective. In this experience, he found that it is important to have a specific ask of support when meeting with legislators. Bixler would recommend this event to others. He said, “Matters of policy and advocacy and education are critical to legislators.“ |
Who attended?John Fisk, Coordinator of the Huron Shore Regional Food Policy Council Number of Legislative Education Days attended:This was Fisk’s first one! Big takeawaysThe main thing that Fisk took away from this event was that it’s not that hard to meet and communicate with representatives. At the event, Fisk discussed issues related to farm viability, food access, and local meat processing for farmers. He said that when speaking with policymakers it is important to know the issues and to be specific as possible about the people and places affected in the region. Fisk would recommend this event to others. “Yes definitely,” said Fisk. “The LED made it much more realistic to consider more contact with representatives when we identify the needs.” |
Who attended?Amanda Woods, Facilitator of the Oakland County Food Policy Council Number of Legislative Education Days attended:This was Woods’ first one! Big takeawaysAt this event, Woods discussed school nutrition policy with legislators. She found that the event was helpful for her to network and learn with other attending food policy council members. In the future, Woods intends to stay more engaged with local leaders as part of her advocacy efforts. Woods would recommend this event to others. She appreciates the support of the Michigan Local Food Council Network for hosting this event for their help setting up appointments with policymakers. |
Who attended?Markell Miller, former appointed member of the Washtenaw County Food Policy Council Number of Legislative Education Days attended:3 or more. Big takeaways“It was a larger event than I was expecting!” Markell said. Markell was glad to see the different councils, groups, and communities represented at this event. At the event, Markell focused on discussing food access issues with legislators, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System Program (MASS), and the Healthy School Meals for all program. Markell said that she learned that there is huge value to sharing personal stories with elected officials, however, it can be difficult for neighbors to feel welcome in these meetings. |
About the Michigan Local Food Council Network
The Michigan Local Food Council Network (MLFCN) is a network coordinated through the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University. The MLFCN supports local food councils across Michigan in their efforts to build stronger, more equitable food systems through education, training, and advocacy.
Learn more at foodsystems.msu.edu/localfoodcouncil
About the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems
The Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems advances regionally-rooted food systems through applied research, education, and outreach. We do this by uniting the knowledge and experience of diverse stakeholders with that of MSU faculty and staff. Our work fosters a thriving economy, equity, and sustainability for Michigan, the nation, and the planet by advancing systems that produce food that is healthy, green, fair, and affordable.
Learn more at foodsystems.msu.edu
