Mid-Michigan uses ACHIEVE and Michigan Healthy Communities funds to establish a local Food Council

INTRODUCTION: The Land Use and Health Resource Team (LUHRT) in the Mid Michigan area conducted a community assessment which identified food safety, quality, and access to healthy food as essential or very important. METHODS: Funded by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) as an ACHIEVE community, Ingham County Health Department partnered with Michigan State University Extension to further explore and address these concerns by expanding LUHRT and forming the Food Systems Workgroup (FSW), a local food policy council. Additionally, the partners reached out to traditionally excluded communities, established a website, mapped priority areas for food access in the Lansing area, and evaluated progress. RESULTS: As a result of these efforts, the Ingham County Board of Health supported the Michigan Good Food Charter and the City of Lansing included a healthy food access component in the city's master plan. The 2011 Ingham County Health Rankings showed a nearly 40% increase in access to healthy foods since 2010. Additionally, average usage of the electronic bridge-card transfer by low-income residents at local farmers markets increased from $2,500 in 2008 to over $10,000 in 2010. Average participation in Lansing Schools free and reduced meals program increased 12% at the elementary school and middle school levels and 20% at the high school level from 2010 to 2011. DISCUSSION: A successful community-driven Food Policy Council starts with multi-sector assessments, institutional and leadership support, and inclusive community outreach. Collaborative resources to implement evidence based strategies will contribute to measurable progress for healthier communities.