Influencing the influencers

Influencing the influencers, decision makers, and policy makers who have great influence over our lives, community, and culture is imperative work. Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank, were on Mackinac Island last week for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference and sharing our work with the masses. Tune in for First Michigan this Sunday on WJR Radio at 9 PM to hear how Phil and Gerry are igniting people’s passion about our purpose while meeting with some pertinent influencers: Dr. Genord, president and CEO of the Health Alliance Plan [HAP]; Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson; and, Ginna Holmes, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission [MCSC]. Phil, Gerry, and Dr. Genord discuss Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need – if our first basic needs [air, water, and food] are unmet, we are unable to go to the next level of development and attainment. Once “food is first,” hunger is able to come off of the table, and people are able to focus on their next successes. But, when you’re hungry, you only have ONE problem. Healthy and nutritious food is an empowerment for those that we serve. Secretary of State Benson dreamt to empower those who had previously not been involved in the democratic process and that dream has come true! Michigan had the best voter turnout in its history in 2020 – that is powerful! The Michigan Secretary of State’s offices are removing barriers, such as transportation, and meeting people where they are at by having mobile offices throughout the state. Onward and upward! Not all heroes wear capes. Ginna Holmes is a small town farm girl who grew up with the strong mentality of “neighbors help neighbors,” and it shows throughout her career path. Ginna’s commitment to help others is not lost on us and we are so grateful to have been able to partner with her and the commission throughout the COVID-19 public health crisis. Ginna also shares the MCSC’s new campaign, Michigan Heroes Project. The project is striving to archive the stories of what we accomplished together, but also inspire others to begin their hero journey. To learn more and / or submit a Michigan Hero that you know, visit https://miheroesproject.org. Our very own, Dr. Phil Knight, has been nominated as a Michigan Hero as he uses his one handful of life on creating a food secure state for his fellow Michiganders. Join our movement by igniting your purpose and keeping #FOODFIRST! Find this episode and all past Food First Michigan episodes at foodfirstmi.org, on Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio. Apple Podcasts --> https://apple.co/38UUpFk iHeartRadio --> https://ihr.fm/38WJ2wN #FoodFirstMI #FoodSecurity #MoreFoodMoreOften2MorePeople