Council Members

When it comes to the change needed in our food system, Crystal would like to see more diversity in leadership. She says, "Representation is key to building awareness around food issues."

Her favorite food is tacos.

Eric joined the Kent County Food Policy Council because it advocates for and promotes a local, good food system and to learn from other brilliant folks/institutions and add value to our community.

His favorite food includes Caribbean and Soul Food.

She loves to grow, bake, cook, preserve, and eat all sorts of foods. "My love of all things food started when I was a youngster helping my parents and grandparents with our big garden and has continued throughout my life as I’ve tried new foods and grown my own garden," she says. "I look forward to joining our community in celebrating, growing, embracing, and eating all foods with the Kent County Food Policy Council."

Her list of favorite foods include: baked brie with raspberry jam, warm and earthy chili on a cold day, mushroom melts on fresh bread, homemade salsa, and fall harvest salad.

Miles joined the council because racism, land access, capital, and knowledge are some of the main barriers beginning farmers are currently facing across the country, especially in Grand Rapids. In a USDA Grant Funded study conducted by Katie Brandt at Michigan State University, Grand Rapids had the highest amount of barriers and the worst land access out of any other major city in Michigan. "I intend to be breaking down these barriers in order to create more equitable and just food systems in Kent County. We need policy changes."

“There is no culture without agriculture” - Elder Tarik Oduno

His favorite foods are Indian food or Ethiopian food

Samika would like to see equality in our community around food.
"So many families are in a state of turmoil due to the lack of quality healthy foods," she says. "Now with the pandemic, it's an even harder task to acquire healthy food. I want to assist with mapping and publicizing local food resources, getting government officials to buy locally and support community members."

Her favorite food is pizza, no particular kind, just pizza.

Melanie wanted to join the council to be a part of food systems change right here in her own community!

What is Melanie's favorite food?
"Such a hard question, I really love food! But my favorite food would probably be yellowtail or salmon sashimi"

Gricelda believes that food is meant to be enjoyed, savored, and can create memories for anyone who is preparing and eating it.
She says, "Whether it was my dad cooking or my mom, we looked forward to sitting down and enjoying a fresh meal (as a kid). If you ever visited my parent's home, you would be sure to go home with a bag of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, or zucchinis. They didn't have chickens in their back yard because it wasn't allowed, otherwise, they would be raising their own chickens as well. Thanks to my parents I now have a small garden with tomatoes, zucchinis, and cucumbers at my own home. I love spending time with my kids watering the vegetable plants. This is something I believe every family should have access to. It's all about having access to fresh vegetables and creating memories while enjoying them."

If she had to pick one food, mole is something that brings her joy. "This is a very labor-intensive sauce with chicken that my Dad was the best making," she says. "Just don't ask me to make it!"

Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano

Gratia joined the KCFPC because she believes in an equitable food system that centers community and local producers. She wants to help make sure that everyone has access to safe, affordable, nourishing food and that voices are heard from every part of the food system.

Her favorite food is fresh, Michigan-grown corn on the cob.

She says: "I volunteered for this role because I want to see more equity in food distribution in the county and I especially want to work toward the elimination of food deserts."

Anne has a special appreciation for eggs.

Julie believes that through working together, we can help local food systems empower individuals to grow healthy food for themselves and their neighbors. "I believe change can start with a bit of knowledge and a small seed in the hands of a child," she says.

Julie's favorite food is heirloom tomatoes, straight from the vine. "My advice," she says, "always bring the salt shaker with you to the garden."

Bree joined the KCFPC to participate in an opportunity to listen and act on solutions alongside neighbors that want equitable opportunities for advancing their health and well-being. She says, "I would like to see culturally relevant nutrition marketing that promotes healthier food and beverage options."

A sweet potato/black bean burger with avocado on top or a toasted bagel with butter coupled with dark hot chocolate are some foods that bring Bree joy!

Karrie joined the council because of her childhood experiences with food insecurity and her work advocating for a vibrant food system. She has had the privilege to serve with nonprofits for years, and the work she has done has underscored the interconnectedness between farming, food production businesses, and the vitality of local communities. She has a passion to create positive change, and she sees the work of the council as a way to support her local community.
Her favorite food is her husband’s homemade lasagna. He cooks with love, and though it takes him hours to make it, the end result is worth the wait!

Ally believes that food brings us all together; whether it be cooking a meal, cultivating a garden, or collaborating with community members on food policy. Ally wanted to join the KCFPC because food is a necessity to life and good, nutritious food should be something each person has equal access to. She hopes to learn during her time with KCFPC and help enact change in our local food system.
2. Her favorite foods are either strawberries or snap peas, especially straight from the garden. One of her favorite meals is Black Eyed Peas, and not just for the name! It's a meal that she's made and shared with family and friends on many occasions, and one that was passed down from her Aunt.

Sarah joined the council because she wants our community to have greater ease and access around the ability to grow our own food.

Her favorite foods are almost any kind of roasted veggie, like brussels sprouts and butternut squash

Terra joined the council because she loves growing food, helping people grow food, and connecting growers with their communities. She believes that strong local food systems are becoming more important every day and she is excited to work with other council members to strengthen ours in Kent County.

Her favorite food to eat and grow is sweet peppers!

Mick joined the council to continue to help support our local food systems as an end user of many of the products that are grown and produced in our communities. Mick believes that knowing the impact of our food system on local communities and supporting equitable sourcing is important for the future health of our communities we serve along with ensuring everyone has access to fresh, affordable, and nourishing food.

Mick loves almost all foods.

Janelle has been involved with the food policy council formation team since 2018 when she moved here from Ontario, Canada. She started as a volunteer and the moved into a staff role in late 2020. She is particularly excited about how groups can come together to influence change and believes in the power of food to bring us together. She loves gardening and is on a mission to make as much of her yard edible as possible.

Her favorite foods are whipped cream and kale salad.

Emily is excited to work with the KCFPC because she loves our local food system and want her neighbors, friends, and colleagues to be aware of and able to access all it has to offer. “I want to support and strengthen it so that my community is more self-reliant and less dependent on big corporations and charity to meet our food needs,” she says. “For me professionally, that means conducting research to help the KCFPC understand the community’s experiences with the local food system. For me personally, that means learning to garden and preserve my own food and sharing my knowledge (and food) with friends and family.”

For her birthday, Emily’s mom makes her a lemon cake with lemon icing, lemon curd between the layers, and toasted coconut covering the exterior. And when she’s sick, she makes me matzo ball soup. She loves sweet things and trying anything new.

Wende is the Director of the Essential Needs Task Force, which also houses the Food and Nutrition Coalition.

More to come for Wende!