NUTRITION &
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

To improve healthy food access for low-income Michiganders, particularly those with chronic health conditions, this project will strengthen and expand the Food Club model, which offers member-based grocery-style markets with affordable, nutritious food. It will help the Food Club Network become an independent entity, provide resources and technical assistance to new and existing sites, and grow health care partnerships that link food access with better health outcomes.

ID: 2504-156410

To enhance community health and well-being in Missaukee County, the Missaukee Conservation District will transform an 80-acre land gift into the Jamieson Nature Education Center, featuring ADA-accessible trails and natural play areas. The project prioritizes community input and collaboration, addressing gaps in local recreational infrastructure to better serve individuals with disabilities, older adults, and youth, promoting physical activity, environmental education, and social inclusion.

ID: 2403-153806

To create more inclusive school environments, this project will integrate adaptive sports and disability awareness lessons into physical education classes at Ann Arbor Public Schools high schools. Students will participate in activities like wheelchair basketball, access online resources, and benefit from trained teachers and specialized equipment – building on a successful middle school program and expanding its impact statewide through virtual tools that support educators, students, and families across Michigan.

ID: 2504-156614

To improve breastfeeding rates and address disparities in infant nutrition among Black families in Kent County, the BeLatched program led by Strong Beginnings will employ Black lactation specialists trained in culturally appropriate nutrition education. The initiative aims to help parents reach their infant feeding goals, improve breastfeeding outcomes, enhance family engagement, and promote healthy nutrition with support from local healthcare and community partners.

ID: 2404-154067

To improve access to care in Grand Rapids’ Boston Square neighborhood, this project will design three new parks and a 0.75-mile trail that connect residents directly to health care, wellness programs, and community resources. Guided by resident input, the plan will create safe routes to essential services while also increasing opportunities for sustainable physical activity and social connection.

ID: 2504-156248

To improve food security across Michigan, Groundwork Center will collaborate with local farmers and food providers to increase the availability of nutritious food at 50 community sites statewide. This initiative will provide tailored technical assistance, empowering each site to address specific nutrition and food access challenges, enabling them to overcome barriers to healthy food access, ultimately strengthening the state’s food system.

ID: 2405-154168

To support the physical and social well-being of people with disabilities, Mary Free Bed will expand its inclusive sports programs, including Goalball, Wheelchair Lacrosse, and a Junior Limb Difference Sports Camp, making them permanent offerings under their Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program. The initiative will leverage strong community partnerships to provide specialized coaching, adaptive equipment, and sustainable opportunities for engagement in sports, fostering an inclusive and active community.

ID: 2405-154125

This project will plan and design 8.3 miles of the Bridge to Bay Trail through the rural communities of Burtchville, Fort Gratiot, and Cottrellville Townships in St. Clair County, addressing critical gaps in the region’s non-motorized trail infrastructure. By creating safe, accessible routes, the initiative will promote active lifestyles, enhance community connectivity, and position Friends of the St. Clair River to pursue future construction funding.

ID: 2504-156432

To improve year-round access to fresh produce in Southwest Michigan, this project will plan a farm stop, a retail market where local farmers sell products in one shared, staffed space, at the Benton Harbor Fruit Market to serve residents in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Community members and farmers will help shape the market’s design, operations, and offerings through listening sessions, focus groups, and advisory boards to ensure it meets the needs of those most affected by food insecurity.

ID: 2504-156394

To address food insecurity and improve food systems in Muskegon County, the Lakeshore Flavor partnership will establish the Muskegon Food Policy Council. This initiative will provide culturally relevant nutrition education, prioritize urban farming, and enhance community-based food distribution, with collaboration from 16 local organizations and strong community engagement.

ID: 2405-154174

To empower Ypsilanti youth and address diet-related health disparities, Growing Hope’s Teen Leadership Program will engage teens in urban farming, cooking workshops, and leadership training. This initiative aims to build food justice leaders by equipping teens with leadership skills, academic experience, and the ability to advocate for healthier food access while fostering intergenerational connections and contributing to local food systems.

ID: 2405-154154

This project will support the planning and engineering design of upgrades to the 37-mile Polly Ann Trail, a non-motorized pathway connecting underserved rural communities in Lapeer and northeastern Oakland Counties. By addressing unsafe crossings and improving trail surfaces, the initiative will enhance year-round access to safe walking and biking – promoting sustainable physical activity and positioning the region for future construction funding.

ID: 2504-156513

To create a more connected and walkable community in the City of Burton, the non-motorized trails project will design nine miles of trails linking underserved neighborhoods to schools, parks, grocery stores, and other essential services. This initiative will enhance access to daily physical activity and improve transportation options for residents.

ID: 2405-154178

To address food insecurity and improve health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will support Medicaid Health Plans in offering nutrition-related services as part of their coverage. By enhancing the capacity of community-based food providers through targeted funding and technical assistance, this initiative aims to equip nutrition providers with the necessary tools and training to effectively serve an expanded population, ultimately reducing healthcare costs associated with food insecurity.

ID: 2404-153829

To improve access to healthy food in rural Alpena, this project will focus on the planning for a community-owned food co-op that prioritizes local produce, accepts SNAP benefits, and is walkable and transit-accessible. Community members will shape the co-op’s design and operations through surveys and meetings, ensuring it meets the needs of older adults and low-income residents in Alpena and surrounding counties.

ID: 2504-156578

To help small community organizations and local food providers offer healthy food programs through Medicaid, this project will pilot a model that manages contracts, reimbursement, and coordination on their behalf. It will create a regional network to connect providers with Medicaid health plans, expand access to local nutrition services, and share a free guide so other regions in Michigan can adopt the model.

ID: 2504-156485

To enhance access to nutritious food and promote sustainability in Muskegon County schools, the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District will establish a local food consortium, integrate food literacy into classrooms, and develop student leadership through project-based learning. The project will establish “Muskegon-made”, a scalable initiative focused on producing healthy, student-driven cafeteria meals while fostering long-term collaboration with local growers and food experts.

ID: 2403-153750

To strengthen the local food system in the western Upper Peninsula, this project will connect small farmers to schools and other community markets, increasing access to locally grown food for over 1,700 students. It will engage up to 277 farmers through outreach, business development, and supply chain support, helping schools source local products and building stronger relationships between farmers and districts.

ID: 2505-156633

To reduce food waste and improve food security in Michigan, the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will lead the development of a coordinated strategy and coalition to double food donations across the state and reduce food loss and waste This initiative will engage over 200 stakeholders from the food system, including food banks and relief agencies, to enhance capacity, raise awareness, and develop strategies that benefit communities facing hunger and food insecurity.

ID: 2405-154237

To increase engagement and improve health outcomes among Detroit’s youth aged 15-24, the Detroit Parks Coalition will establish a Youth Council where young leaders will serve as park ambassadors, organizing events and promoting park usage through peer-led outreach. This project aims to improve physical and mental health by empowering youth to design and lead programming, mentorship, and community-driven events, ensuring that the parks better serve the needs of younger residents.

ID: 2405-154156

To address food insecurity and chronic disease in Battle Creek’s underserved neighborhoods, Farmacy 2.0 will transform its pop-up market into a permanent, community-led corner store, supplied by local farmers that prioritizes local food sourcing and health education. This initiative will strengthen the community’s voice through leadership development, increase access to fresh produce, maximize food benefit redemptions, and foster broader community collaboration.

ID: 2404-153958

To improve access to nutrition and physical activity services in Iosco County, Tawas Wellness Warriors will provide a range of programs, including balance seminars, chair yoga, and after-school activities, serving children, youth, and older adults. The initiative will enhance community wellness by offering evidence-based fitness classes, hosting weekly Community Suppers that promote healthier eating and social engagement, supported by the Iosco County Commission on Aging and local partners.

ID: 2405-154108

To improve early childhood health and strengthen Indigenous communities’ ability to grow and share their own traditional foods, this project will expand a culturally grounded curriculum in Tribal Head Start and home visiting programs across Michigan. It will provide 400 Indigenous families with Anishinaabe language, traditional food knowledge and practices, and seasonal activities, train educators, and build connections that support healthier futures and community-led food systems.

ID: 2504-156082

To address high rates of nutrition-related chronic diseases and food insecurity in Michigan’s Tribal communities, the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan (ITCM) will expand the Food Farmacy program to seven Tribes, providing culturally appropriate produce prescriptions, nutrition education, and enhanced food access through Tribal health centers. This initiative will enhance food sovereignty, increase access to fresh and traditional foods, strengthen community collaboration, and support advocacy for state and Tribal policy changes to ensure long-term program sustainability.

ID: 2404-153828

To improve access to food and strengthen local support systems in Michigan’s Thumb region, this project will unite food pantries, community organizations, and partners to create a more connected and sustainable food network. It will host regional convenings, fund innovative pantry projects, and form a Thumb Food Collaborative to coordinate long-term solutions shaped by both pantry leaders and community members.

ID: 2502-155831

To reduce food insecurity and improve access to nutrition services for transition-age foster youth in Detroit, this project will connect 150 young people to Medicaid benefits and community-based nutrition programs. It will embed Medicaid navigators, provide nutrition education, and train peer mentors to guide other foster youth, creating a model that can be replicated across Michigan.

ID: 2505-156624

To improve food access in rural northeast lower Michigan, the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance (MiHIA) will establish a Healthy Food for Northeast Michigan Health network, engaging 25 organizations to enhance coordination and expand access to healthy, locally produced foods. This initiative will support farmers, increase market sites at senior centers and health centers, and build capacity for farm-to-school programs, benefiting residents and schools across the region.

ID: 2404-153868

To improve health outcomes for people with diet-related chronic conditions, this project will strengthen the Fresh Food Pharmacy model, which combines healthy food access with varying levels of clinical support and health coaching. It will track health impacts, cost savings, and patient experiences to refine the approach, expand access, and build the case for broader Medicaid reimbursement across Michigan.

ID: 2507-157715

To reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition in rural Alger County, this project will create three community food hubs, expand school garden programs, and connect residents with fresh produce from local farmers and gardeners. It will engage the community through workshops and volunteer opportunities, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and use season-extending strategies like hoop houses to support year-round access to healthy food.

ID: 2504-156526

This project aims to reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes for underserved families in Detroit and Pontiac through education, family engagement, and community partnerships. The program focuses on multi-generational participation, offering nutrition education, access to healthy foods, and interactive activities to promote long-term healthy behaviors across entire family units.

ID: 2404-153917

To improve health and access to essential services in Imlay City, the Pathway Extension Project will design and plan four new, connected pathways that enhance non-motorized travel options for residents. This initiative aims to create safe walking routes that connect residents, particularly those facing socioeconomic challenges, to healthy food, recreational opportunities, and daily necessities, improving health outcomes for the entire community.

ID: 2405-154133

To improve access to fresh produce for SNAP recipients statewide, this project will prepare to integrate the Double Up Food Bucks program directly into the state’s EBT system, replacing the current token-based process to make participation easier and more efficient. It will enhance the program through new app and website features, create a roadmap for EBT integration in partnership with state agencies, and work with small and mid-size farmers to strengthen local food systems while expanding access statewide.

ID: 2504-156450

This project will support the planning and engineering design of a non-motorized trail network that connects underserved communities in Mount Clemens, Harrison Township, Clinton Township, and Chesterfield Township to over 1,200 acres of parkland and the Lake St. Clair shoreline. By overcoming major infrastructure barriers such as I-94, Gratiot Avenue (M-3), Groesbeck Highway, and the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the initiative will improve access to parks, healthy food, and essential services—promoting sustainable physical activity and positioning Macomb County to secure future construction funding.

ID: 2504-156187

To increase participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and improve access to nutritious meals for children across the state, the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) will conduct a study to identify barriers faced by childcare providers, particularly unlisted home-based caregivers, preventing their participation in the program. The initiative will engage the community to develop policy and programmatic recommendations that enhance CACFP enrollment, thereby improving food security and strengthening financial resources for childcare providers.

ID: 2405-154190

To increase access to Produce Prescription programs in Michigan, this project will help local food retailers and community groups work more easily with Medicaid health plans. It will handle tasks like contracts and billing, offer guidance and training to strengthen programs, and connect partners across the state so more communities can access healthy food.

ID: 2505-156680

To bridge health disparities and enhance access to outdoor recreation, the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance will develop a comprehensive statewide trail network plan, MI Trails 2050, with a focus on underserved communities. This initiative will engage diverse stakeholders, including local governments and community organizations, to ensure trails are integrated into regional plans, supported by sustainable funding, and accessible to all Michigan residents.

ID: 2405-154184

To improve food access and nutrition for young children in early care and education (ECE) settings across Michigan, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan will strengthen the Michigan Farm-to-ECE-Network by connecting ECE providers with local farmers and enhancing their nutrition knowledge. This initiative will support ECE providers in utilizing state and federal programs to provide children with nutritious, locally sourced food while expanding the network to include more food producers and suppliers.

ID: 2404-153892

To increase access to nutritious food for children, seniors, and families in Michigan, the West Michigan Food Processing Association will develop a strategy to expand institutional sourcing from local growers, including small and minority-owned farms. This initiative will connect farmers with new markets such as schools, senior centers and retail settings, while gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure broad community and industry engagement.

ID: 2404-153809

To reduce health disparities among LGBTQ+ adults in Michigan, this project will address food insecurity and provide welcoming recreational and wellness opportunities. It will serve over 1,000 people through healthy food distribution, yoga and mindfulness sessions, and a low-barrier sports league, while helping three other LGBTQ+ centers create similar programs tailored to their communities.

ID: 2504-156554

To improve pedestrian safety and access to health care in Onaway, the Onaway M-68/M-33 Sidewalk Project will design a 1,500-foot ADA-compliant sidewalk connecting residents to the Thunder Bay Health Clinic and Awakon Park. This initiative will address transportation gaps, especially for older adults and those without vehicles, ensuring safer, more reliable pathways for accessing health care and promoting physical activity.

ID: 2404-154055

To improve health outcomes and community connectivity in Manistee County, Onekama Township will lead the design of a community walking and biking path to increase access to safe outdoor recreation and essential services. This initiative, supported by extensive community engagement and collaboration with local organizations, aims to address health disparities and enhance quality of life for residents through a well-designed and inclusive planning process.

ID: 2405-154207

To address the growing concern over road safety and limited non-motorized transportation options in Peninsula Township, this project will engage the community in developing a detailed plan to connect existing and new trails to create safer, more connected routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan will prioritize safer travel routes, enhance regional connectivity, and provide a strategic framework for future infrastructure funding.

ID: 2404-154005

To enhance food security and improve health outcomes in Michigan, the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) will strengthen Produce Prescription (PPR) programs by developing a strategic plan for a technical assistance center building capacity among community organizations, increasing collaboration with Medicaid Health Plans, and embedding these services into healthcare payment models. This initiative will empower community organizations to better navigate Medicaid guidelines, enhancing their ability to deliver impactful food-based health interventions.

ID: 2405-154393

To expand access to inclusive physical activity programs for neurodiverse youth and adults, this project will create accessible, online professional training and certification for educators, coaches, and service providers across Michigan. By training 300 professionals, including adapted physical education instructors, Special Olympics coaches, and those serving aging adults, the initiative will improve health outcomes, increase participation in sports and recreation, and promote statewide inclusion through lasting digital resources.

ID: 2504-156525

To improve local food systems and increase food security, Lakeshore Food Club will develop a regional food hub, a network that facilitates processing, storage, and distribution of locally grown produce. This initiative will engage community members through advisory boards, and surveys, ensuring a sustainable and efficient food system that meets local needs and provides nutritious food options for families.

ID: 2405-154142

To reduce food waste and improve access to healthy food for older adults in low-income housing, this project will develop small on-site distribution areas in 8 to 10 residential buildings, stocked weekly with rescued produce, bread, and other staples, while creating a model for replication. Serving over 600 residents, these hubs will eliminate barriers like transportation and cost while offering foods that reflect the cultural traditions and preferences of each building’s community.

ID: 2504-156311

To ensure equitable access to active transportation funding in underserved rural communities, the West Michigan Trails initiative will streamline the planning and pre-development process for trail projects in an 18-county region. By supporting the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail and Van-Cass Heritage Trail, this initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity, encourage sustainable physical activity, and secure long-term funding for critical infrastructure improvements that promote health and connectivity.

ID: 2404-153939

To address disparities in youth physical activity, InPACT will expand its successful school-based program by incorporating brief, daily exercise sessions into the school day, and providing comprehensive support to teachers and health coordinators. The initiative will also engage key stakeholders in developing statewide strategies, digitizing resources, ensuring long-term sustainability and broader implementation in schools across Michigan.

ID: 2404-154026

To improve health and expand safe non-motorized transportation options in Downriver communities, this project will design a seven-mile walking and biking route along West Jefferson Avenue, connecting Ecorse, Wyandotte, Riverview, and Trenton to regional and statewide trail networks. The plan will address high obesity rates and limited infrastructure by creating safe links to parks, the Detroit River, and other community assets, guided by resident input.

ID: 2504-156427

To improve access to essential services and enhance overall well-being in Central Lake and surrounding townships, a nonmotorized trail will be developed to provide safe and accessible pathways for walking and cycling. This initiative will connect residents, including those facing economic hardship, to medical services, parks, and community resources, while promoting community engagement and reducing reliance on unpaved, hazardous roadways.

ID: 2404-153959