About

About the Michigan Local Food Council Network

The Michigan Local Food Council Network (MLFCN) brings together food councils to build their individual and collective capacities to work on food and food policy issues, operate effectively, and engage their communities, through peer-to-peer learning.

MLFCN's Role in Building Food Council Capacities

The main roles of the Network are to:

Provide a space for local councils to network with one another
Assist local councils in building capacity for local & regional food system development
Provide hands-on training to local food councils
Connect local policy information, issues, and actions to other parts of the state
Connect local councils to statewide policy information, issues, and actions
Connect local councils to national policy information, issues, and actions

For MLFCN, a local food council is a group convening around a defined geographic area to assess and recommend practices or policies that affect one or more aspects of the food system. All Michigan local food councils, or those interested in starting a local food council, are invited to participate in the statewide network.

CRFS sponsors MLFCN, with coordination by Keesa Johnson, Food Systems Strategy Design Specialist; Liz Gensler, Local Food Council Specialist; Jordan Lindsay, Grassroots Organizing Specialist; and Kolia Souza, Food Systems Equity & Advocacy Specialist.

Michigan Local Food Councils Map

Published on July 30, 2021

Empowering Michigan's Food Advocates: MLFCN's Legislative Education Day

Published on November 10, 2023
Local food council members convened at the state capitol for advocacy training and to meet with lawmakers at event coordinated by the Michigan Local Food Council Network
Advancing Equitable Local Food Policy through Community Organizing

Published on March 31, 2023
With support from State Partnerships Improving Nutrition and Equity (SPINE) funding, the Michigan Local Food Council Network invited councils to participate in a skill-building Policy Advocacy Learning Cohort in 2022.
Michigan Local Food Council Network Seed Grant Program Request for Proposals 2023

Published on November 11, 2022
The Michigan Local Food Council Network Seed Grant Program offers up to $5,000 in funds to help local food councils build capacity and accomplish their goals.
$500,000 grant will help Michigan communities address food insecurity and limited access to healthy food

Published on October 6, 2021
The Michigan Local Food Council Network will advocate for more equitable policies and practices.
Learning and acting together for racial equity

Published on February 10, 2021
In our first-ever at a glance update, we are sharing highlights of how we and our partners are changing to work more equitably and inclusively.
Reflecting on inspiration from 2020

Published on December 16, 2020
To our partners and supporters, thank you for all that you have done this year to advance a good food system in Michigan and nationally.
Michigan food for Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Published on March 30, 2020
Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems is coordinating networks that are helping to feed Michigan’s families and communities and support Michigan’s food businesses as they weather the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CRFS Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on March 20, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges and concerns to our tables. Please email us if you have a need that we may be able to help with.
Your Good Food Story, Your Photos

Published on March 12, 2020
Apply by March 31 to get a camera and training or a professional photo shoot!
What will it take to advance good food in Michigan? We want to hear from you!

Published on February 24, 2020
We need your help to ensure the updated Michigan Good Food Charter provides a robust foundation for the road ahead.