Ripe for Discussion: midwest

  The True Cost of Food

  — November 10, 2019 —

How might we…clarify and illuminate for consumers the details of the labor experience of an average farm worker?

How might we…identify the cost of not creating environments that are culturally welcoming and accessible, which reflect the communities they serve?

How might we…reduce the stigma around participation in SNAP, Double UP, and other nutritional supplement programs?

How might we…communicate to SNAP users the value of community based food markets (e.g. independent grocer, farmer’s markets, low-cost grocery outlets) in creating agency for those in the community.

Let’s meet at The Søvengård

Tickets: $25 donation (suggested) | Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Date: November 10, 2019

It goes a bit like this...

Our Ripe for Discussion series consists of micro-think tanks where everyday leaders roll up their sleeves and build change through discussions and design-thinking inspired development sessions.

First, we start with a contextual framework—an introduction of empirical data and evidence-based context for the session.
Next, we hear from community and subject matter experts—learning from their lived and worked experience and expertise.
Working in small groups, we define the problem, identify the opportunity, and concept an inventive solution—participants bring their own knowledge and synthesize the content of the session.
Afterward, attendees head home with new insights and together, we’ll dig deeper—the work products are made publicly available and the innovation process continues with the formation of a dedicated community working group.

Register Today!

join us and work alongside:

Dana Eardley
Assistant Market Manager,
Fulton Street Farmers Market ↓

As the Assistant Market Manager, Dana supports vendors, customers, and daily operations while exploring ways that the market can expand its reach and continue to serve as an anchor for our local food system. Everyone deserves the right to healthy food and Dana is proud that our market plays a role in promoting food access for our community. Dana is constantly in awe of the passion, creativity, and care that our growers and vendors employ to bring us delicious, local food.

In her spare time, Dana enjoys growing, cooking, and celebrating food and can frequently be found swimming in Lake Michigan.

Jermale Eddie
Co-Owner / Operator, Malamiah Juice Bar ↓

In 2012, Jermale Eddie was introduced to the practice of juicing after watching a documentary recommended by a friend. He sought out more information and was amazed to learn the immense nutritional benefits associated with drinking fresh juice. Jermale bought a juicer and began juicing regularly at home for himself and his family. He was glad to discover that in addition to the significant health benefits that juice provides, the fresh juices are also delicious. This passed the ultimate test when his (then) 3-year-old son tried the juice and wanted more. Jermale enjoyed trying new juice and smoothie recipes and educating himself on the specific nutrients found in various fruits and vegetables. He often talked to friends and family about his new journey with juicing.

Jermale discovered that people were very interested in learning more, and many of those he shared with were inspired to start their own juicing journeys. He also encouraged a friend to try juicing to reset his metabolism and shed some pounds. The friend agreed to try a juice fast for 15 days, but after seeing the results, he continued for a full 60 days and lost 55 pounds. While being monitored by a family doctor, he was also able to discontinue two medications. Jermale’s wife, Anissa, first raised the idea of starting a juice bar in Grand Rapids, and the vision for Malamiah Juice Bar was born. “Malamiah” is a combination of the names of their three sons- Malachi, Nehemiah and Josiah. It is their hope that this business can be part of the legacy they pass on to their children.

Angela Hojnacki
Outreach & Engagement Manager,
Double Up Food Bucks ↓

As the Outreach and Engagement Manager, Angela partners with organizations to increase awareness of Double Up Food Bucks SNAP incentive program across Michigan. This includes engaging residents, volunteers, and other advocates to spread the word in their communities. Angela previously managed Healthy Futures for All, a one-year pilot project aimed at increasing healthy food access in Detroit by growing awareness of Double Up among the city’s students and families, while also getting more farm fresh foods to city seniors.

Angela discovered her passion for healthy living and education after developing and managing sustainable waste management programs in Boston, Nicaragua, and Brazil with the Community Innovators Lab at MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning.

She returned home to metro Detroit to serve as a FoodCorps service member at Wayne State University’s Center for Health and Community Impact, where she taught nutrition and garden education and implemented the Building Healthy Communities program in three Detroit schools. Following her service year, Angela stayed as the FoodCorps Michigan Fellow supporting the statewide program.

Angela is also a graduate student at Eastern Michigan University, studying Social Foundations of Education. Angela has a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she focused on sustainable engineering and design. She lives in Detroit, where she is finally putting her engineering degree to work renovating her home with her dog and three cats.

Sam Otto
Executive Director, West Michigan Growers Group
Farm Manager, MFC ↓

Samantha Otto is a West Michigan native invested in food equity. As an avid Agriculturalist, food fanatic, and firm believer in the idea that food is medicine; there is nothing she enjoys more than engaging within the local food system.

Sam is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Agricultural Technology program. She manages an urban farm working along side a prescription for health program full time, as well as holds the executive director position for the West Michigan Growers Group. When she is not out working in the field, Sam can be seen enjoying the scenic views of the lakeshore, paroozing one of the many local farmers markets, or indulging over a delicious meal prepared by a local eatery.