As rising food costs, reduced benefits, and economic uncertainty causes Muskegon County Food Insecurity to increase, a passionate group of individuals are working to ensure that every resident has dignified access to nutritious food. At a recent Montague-Whitehall Rotary meeting, Rotarian Emily Merten shared an important update on the work of the Muskegon County Food Collaborative.
A Community in Need
Food insecurity is more than a statistic, it reflects real people and families grappling with uncertainty about whether they will have enough to eat. In Muskegon County, the most recent data from Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” places the food insecurity rate at 15.2%, representing an estimated 26,640 people who sometimes struggle to access adequate food.
That marks a rise from past years. For comparison:
- In 2020 the food insecurity rate was 14.1%, affecting about 24,540 residents.
- Earlier estimates (2021) put the number at 11.8%, with about 20,680 people affected.
This upward trend underscores the growing urgency in Muskegon County, especially given inflation, higher food costs, and other socioeconomic pressures.
Statewide, the challenge is even more widespread. In recent years, roughly 13.0% of Michigan adults have reported experiencing food insecurity.
Across the United States, food insecurity remains a widespread problem. In 2023, about 13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year.
These figures reflect not just temporary hardship, but persistent structural needs for food support, accessibility, and dignity.
A Vision for a Healthier Community
The Collaborative’s vision is straightforward and bold:
“A healthy Muskegon County where an integrated food system provides all residents with dignified access to nutritious food.”
To get there, the group is aligning the charitable food system, pursuing innovative models, and developing new partnerships across the county.
Introducing the Food Club Model to Combat Muskegon County Food Insecurity
A central piece of this effort is exploring the development of a Food Club, an approach pioneered in Grand Rapids that focuses on consumer choice and dignity.
The Food Club model allows families to shop using a points-based system, where healthy foods such as fresh produce cost fewer points, while processed items cost more. This encourages nutritious choices while preserving autonomy and reducing stigma. As the Collaborative summary puts it:
“To provide an innovative and dignified approach to food security through consumer choice, member participation, and access to healthy foods.”
Given the local food insecurity statistics, the Food Club model could offer a more effective, respectful alternative to traditional food-distribution methods.
Muskegon County Food Insecurity: Understanding the Need
Emily emphasized that the timing for this work is critical. Inflation, fluctuating government benefits, and the rising cost of living all contribute to increased food insecurity. Traditional food distribution systems are under strain, and clients are seeking more sustainable, empowering options.
The numbers from Feeding America underscore that urgency: more than 1 in 7 residents are at risk, and as costs rise, many currently “just getting by” could quickly slide into insecurity.
Feasibility Study and Strategic Planning
To support this initiative, the Collaborative partnered with Andrea Carbine of New Venture Advisors, who is leading a feasibility study to assess the viability of launching a Food Club in Muskegon County. This research will help determine community needs, potential locations, operational requirements, and long-term sustainability.
Food Recovery and Distribution
Alongside the Food Club concept, the Collaborative continues to strengthen food rescue and sourcing efforts. This includes building relationships with local suppliers, improving coordination among partner agencies, and exploring additional distribution channels to reduce waste and increase access.
These efforts take on greater significance in the context of county-level food insecurity data, meaning every additional source of healthy food, every rescued pound of produce, can make a real difference to thousands of residents.
A Community Effort: Roundtable Collaboration
Emily highlighted the range of partners needed to make this initiative successful and combat Muskegon County Food Insecurity. The roundtable discussion included representatives and volunteers connected to:
• Local and state policymakers
• Food suppliers and marketers
• Nonprofit and charitable organizations
• Facility management and logistics experts
• Donors – local, regional, and legacy
• Community members passionate about food access
Everyone was encouraged to consider who they could introduce to help the Collaborative continue its progress.
How to Get Involved
The Muskegon County Food Collaborative invites the community to take part in this work. Opportunities include joining monthly workgroups focused on:
• Fund Development – jbarangan@access-health.org
• Food Rescue and Sourcing – emily.merten@muskegoncc.edu
• Communications – jbarangan@access-health.org
Additional subcommittees are available in:
• Outreach – bridget.larson@usc.salvationarmy.org
• Locations and Facilities – alexanderli@co.muskegon.mi.us
Meetings occur on the second Friday of each month from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in Room 2323 at Muskegon Community College’s main campus.
Muskegon County Food Insecurity: Looking Ahead
The work of the Muskegon County Food Collaborative reflects the power of thoughtful planning, shared responsibility, and community-driven innovation. As Emily and her colleagues continue to build partnerships and evaluate the Food Club model, they move the county one step closer to a more resilient and equitable food system.
Given that over 26,000 of our neighbors currently face food insecurity, their work is more urgent and meaningful than ever.
CatchMark Community Print will continue to follow this important initiative as it develops, sharing updates on how local residents and organizations can contribute to creating a stronger, healthier Muskegon County.
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