MSU Extension Nutrition

MSU Extension’s mini-grant initiative champions community-driven, evidence-based solutions to make healthy food and physical activity more accessible and appealing in everyday environments. Now in its second year, this initiative empowers eligible community partners collaborating with local MSU Extension SNAP-Ed community nutrition instructors by providing essential supplies or materials valued up to $1,500. These grants drive meaningful community change by fostering healthier food choices and increasing opportunities for physical activity.

The SNAP-Ed mini-grant was piloted last year with over 90 mini-grants distributed to community partners engaged with MSU Extension staff across Michigan. Although strategies differed by projects, each effort sought lasting changes that make it easier or more appealing for people to choose healthier food and beverages or to be physically active. The mini-grants were inspired by MSU Extension staffs’ interest, enthusiasm for exploring innovative approaches and evidence showing that mini-grants are a promising way to support community health efforts, strengthen partnerships and foster innovation.

Enhancing Food Access in School

Gateway to Success Academy, or G2S, is a project-based learning public charter school in Scottville, Michigan and among the 2024 recipients of the MSU Extension SNAP-Ed mini-grant. G2S has been partnering with MSU Extension community nutrition instructor and registered dietitian Kendra Gibson since 2022. With support from Gibson, a team at G2S has been focused on supporting greater food security for students and their families. 

Gibson is one of approximately 85 MSU Extension staff located throughout the state collaborating with local organizations through a federal nutrition program, SNAP-Ed, which has been noted as the “largest public sector nutrition education and promotion program in the country.” Through SNAP-Ed, MSU Extension staff develop relationships with qualifying and committed organizations like G2S. As coaches, Gibson and others help to listen to needs and opportunities, co-identify solutions, and implement changes that make it easier to choose healthier foods and beverages and to be physically active. 

With guidance from Gibson, support from the area non-profit grocery store, Lakeshore Food Club and other awarded resources, G2S students and staff member, Tony Johnston, established a food club at their school. The development of a food club model was a student and staff led response to the need for regularly available and nourishing food in a supportive environment. A food club operates and looks like a grocery store within a school. Stigma faced by individuals and families experiencing food insecurity has been recognized as a prominent factor contributing to food insecurity in Michigan and beyond. Food club models are considered an innovative, client-centered and dignified approach to providing food support and other services.

At G2S, students receive 20 points per week to shop. Healthier items, such as produce, require less points than less healthy choices, making them easier to purchase. Materials purchased through the MSU Extension mini-grant were used to enhance the food club’s produce rack, creating a visually appealing and accessible display to promote fresh food. A recipe rack was also purchased to promote recipes provided by MSU Extension that highlight the foods available at the food club. 

In a video showcasing the development and success of the food club, Johnston expresses his appreciation for the partnership. “The support from MSU Extension means so much to us. To have partners with resources and to work with a school as small as ours… has been massive. We would've never been able to accomplish [this] on our own - it’s been huge.” What’s next for this partnership, according to Gibson: “MSU Extension will continue to come alongside as G2S continues to identify additional needs. Maybe they’ll look at farm to school. We will continue to evolve and walk alongside them.” 

Edible Gardening with Women in Recovery

Naomi’s Nest is a residential treatment facility for women located in historic Highland Park, surrounded by the City of Detroit. Naomi’s Nest has partnered with Wayne County MSU Extension nutrition staff for the last several years. In 2022, informed by the residents desire to have easy access to fresh produce, the partnership evolved to support the reinvigoration of an on-site garden bed with the assistance from site leaders and MSU Extension community nutrition instructor Charlotte Rapids. 

Rapids, who has experience working in urban agriculture and teaching abroad, saw how the existing strengths of the site aligned. These included the former garden bed, interest, desire, varying levels of experience of residents, support from leadership and goal of supporting positive hobbies for women residing at Naomi’s Nest. Once the original garden bed was cleared by residents and Rapids, a season of caring for and harvesting of produce followed. Later, residents and site leaders expressed the desire to build upon their efforts and expand. In 2024, the team at Naomi’s Nest requested and received small garden tools, soil, seeds, trays and raised bed structures to continue the growth and reach of their garden. 

Reflecting on her partnership, Rapids understands how showing up in the community and being accountable helps to build trust. These values have supported the relationship Rapids has developed with the women and site leaders. By being a present partner, Rapids has gained a stronger understanding of the type of support she can offer and greater insight into how the garden has been a meaningful addition. “By gardening together, I learned some of the women weren’t sure how to plant vegetables. I was able to offer onsite support to build confidence in this area. To further support sustainability of the garden, Rapids intends to focus support on a shared long-term goal of establishing a resident garden mentorship. Resident mentors who have developed experience gardening and are seeking greater responsibility would help to teach and train peers entering the program. 

MSU Extension partners with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to provide SNAP-Ed throughout Michigan. SNAP-Ed focuses on good nutrition, stretching food dollars, living physically active lifestyles and engaging partners to build healthier communities.