Oakland County Food Policy Council is Seeking a New Chair

The council is seeking a chair who is passionate about social determinants of health issues and energized to bring about positive change, someone who brings a collaborative spirit to help guide and lead the council. This is a volunteer position requiring 4-6 hours per month, with at least a 1-year commitment. Applications should be submitted by October 31st. Questions regarding the position can be directed at woodsa@oakgov.com. To learn more about the volunteer position and apply, see below in "Other Documents."

Council Vision and Mission

Vision: Oakland County has a fair, sustainable, and culturally friendly food system that encourages healthy eating for all.

Mission: To lead and advance food policy and system change that will increase equitable and healthy access for all.

The Oakland County Food Policy Council is a collaboration of food system partners in Oakland County.  The Oakland County Food Policy Council was born out of the ECHO Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to address and increase access to healthy foods for those who live, work, attend school, worships, and plays in Oakland County.  The council was formalized in September 2016.  Interested in joining the council? Want to learn more? Contact Amanda at woodsa@oakgov.com.

Response to COVID-19

NEW! Changes to Emergency Monthly SNAP Benefits

• Emergency monthly allotments of SNAP Benefits will be ending (USDA) after the February 2023 benefit is issued as a result of a provision in the Consolidated Provisions Act 2023. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a press release (1/27/23) regarding the upcoming changes and has created a resource list. Click here to understand more about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Benefit Changes (MDHHS) and impact to SNAP and Medicaid households.
• Food Bank Council of Michigan has developed resources for organizations and households to understand and prepare for these changes
  • SNAP Emergency Allotments Information Sheet (why and how to prepare)
  • Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP Benefit Changes
  • 4 Ways to Stretch Your SNAP Benefits
  • Food and Community Resource Flyer for SNAP Households
  • Visit their SNAP Outreach Facebook page to receive up-to-date information.
• Resource Guide for SNAP Households: The Council created a guide for SNAP households.  The guide provides information on food resources and non-food resources and programs (i.e. internet and phone discounts, museum discounts, and tax preparation services)
• Oakland County COVID-19 Resources
  • Oakland County has compiled a list of community resources to support residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Additional information/resources will be updated as available on the Oakland County Health Division website.
  • Nurse on Call is also available at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, or noc@oakgov.com.

Additional Food Resources 

Gleaners Community Food Bank

• Gleaners continues to serve those in need. They continue to work with partner pantries and are expanding food distribution efforts to include additional drive-up mobile sites in Oakland and surrounding counties. Community distribution sites occur weekly at multiple locations and will be added regularly to the Gleaners Food Bank website. Please call a pantry location call ahead of time in case an appointment or paperwork may be necessary.

Forgotten Harvest

• Forgotten Harvest updates its website daily with the most current list of active distribution sites receiving its food. Forgotten Harvest urges a household to check with listed agencies for any last minute changes before going to an agency distribution site.

2-1-1

• Find help 24/7 online, via text, or phone
• Call 2-1-1 or text zip code to 898211

Additional Info