The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is pleased to announce that we will host our first Legislative Education Day in Lansing on Tuesday, May 14. Since the founding of our association, advocating for policies that support and do not prohibit farmers markets from being thriving marketplaces for local food and farm products has been core to our mission. That is why we are inviting our members to join us in Lansing for this important day of advocacy and education!
During the event, MIFMA members will focus on educating lawmakers on how farmers markets accept SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, the resources necessary to participate in these programs, and the impacts this work has on healthy food access in our state.
Legislative Education Day Event Details
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Who: All members of MIFMA are invited to attend. We will be speaking specifically with legislators about how farmers markets and direct marketing farmers increase healthy food access for all Michiganders when they accept SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks and the important resources needed for this work. Market managers and farmers with experience participating in these two programs are encouraged to attend.
Agenda: Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and orientation will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. Orientation will include reminders regarding meeting with legislators and talking to them about two important issue areas- accepting SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks at Michigan farmers markets. After orientation, participants will be divided into teams, each with a group leader, and attend pre-scheduled meetings with legislators throughout the remainder of the day. Lunch will be provided between meetings.
Where: Registration, morning orientation, and lunch will be held in the classroom of the Michigan Municipal League office located at 208 North Capital Ave in Lansing. Meetings with legislators will be held in the Michigan State Capitol, the Anderson House Office Building, and/or the Binsfield Office Building- all within walking distance of the Michigan Municipal League classroom.
Parking will be validated for registered participants who park in the City of Lansing parking ramp located on Capitol Ave between W Ionia Street and W Shiawassee Street.
Registration was required and is now closed. If you have questions about registering, contact MIFMA at 517-432-3381.
Pre-Event Training and Resources
To assist our members in building their skills and confidence in meeting with legislators and discussing issues that are important to their markets and our association, MIFMA will provide two, one-hour webinars in advance of the May 14th event. Individuals who register for the event will be invited and encouraged to view both webinars prior to the event day. Viewing webinars live during the presentation times will allow participants to ask questions and interact with presenters and attendees. Live participation will be limited to those who are registered to attend the Legislative Education Day. Recordings will be made available for those that are unable to attend live and portions may be posted to our website for members that are unable to attend the event. Webinar details are as follows:
Introduction to Legislative Meetings
Monday, April 29 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. EST
Meeting with legislators is a valuable way to educate elected officials on issues that are important to you, your farmers market, and the farms that support your market. They are also key to building and maintaining relationships with the lawmakers that have the greatest impact on your district and your state. Join this webinar to learn the basics of meeting with state representatives and senators including how to present your issues, the dynamics of team meetings, and delivering your message in a clear and concise way.
Advocating for SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks at Michigan Farmers Markets
Monday, May 6 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. EST
During legislative meetings, MIFMA members will focus on educating lawmakers on how farmers markets accept SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, the resources necessary to participate in those programs, and the impacts this work has on healthy food access in our state. This webinar will orient members to these issues, share best practices and recommendations on how to communicate about these issues with legislators, and provide an overview of the materials we will use during the event to assist with educating lawmakers.