Creating change in Michigan's food system

By Andi Anderson

Between April and October 2024, the Michigan Local Food Council Network (MLFCN) hosted a series of Equity and Access Co-Design Labs with food systems leaders across Michigan. This initiative aimed to explore the development of a statewide leadership program for food systems, with a focus on amplifying the collective power of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color.

Keesa V. Johnson, MDes., Kolia Souza, and Renee Wallace facilitated the sessions, which employed an asset-based community design approach to strengthen community ties and create collaborative solutions. Participants were selected from various sectors across Michigan’s food system, and their active involvement in co-designing the initiative allowed them to shape the project by sharing knowledge, building trust, and identifying key resources.

One of the key outcomes of the Co-Design Lab was the development of stronger relationships among the participants, with some leaders from different regions of Michigan forming lasting alliances. “I witnessed seven leaders from across the state, who never knew each other become allies and friends through an intense desire for liberation,” said Johnson, Food Systems Strategy Design Specialist. “Our lab space was not only a setting to innovate, but it also displayed the importance of building relationships before we need them.”

The program consisted of several phases, starting with a virtual orientation in April to discuss principles and set goals. This was followed by an in-person workshop in June, which helped participants refine their visions for Michigan’s food systems and lay the groundwork for a leadership prototype to support future leaders.

Following the series, each participant returned to their respective communities with new skills and connections. For example, Flint Innovative Solutions (FIS) plans to expand its work on food sovereignty with a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This initiative will involve supporting farmers, community gardens, and food access programs in Flint, with a focus on empowering people of color and enhancing the local food system.

Thanks to funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the lab series created lasting change by fostering collaborative leadership and developing a more equitable food system in Michigan.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu