You’re invited: please join MIFMA for our 2021 Year End Food Access Meetings! Each year, MIFMA gathers with farmers market managers and partners who work to increase healthy food access through Michigan farmers markets. This two-day event includes both in person and online options for sessions. Join in these meetings to share the successes and challenges of the 2021 season, learn what is on the horizon for food access initiatives in 2022, and network with other food access champions from all over the state.
Session 1: MIFMA Led Session
In person:
Oak Park, MI
Wednesday, November 17 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Virtual:
Zoom Webinar
Thursday, November 18 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Learn about important food access updates from MIFMA including 2021 food assistance numbers, reminder of resources, and the state’s EBT Contract transition. The session will conclude with round table discussions and a chance to network with other market managers. This session will be offered both in person in Oak Park and virtually, and the content is the same.
Session 2: Food Access Partner Led Session
Virtual
Thursday, November 18 | 2 PM – 4 PM
Session 2 will be held online only through Zoom and will feature partner led sessions from food access partners throughout the state. Learn about important updates and changes from Double Up Food Bucks, the Food Bank Council of Michigan, and new programs and technology coming down the pipeline.
Please note: these meetings will not provide training on how to accept food assistance benefits at farmers markets. Training on how to accept food assistance benefits will take place through MIFMA’s Market Manager Certificate Program and the annual SNAP webinar which will be scheduled for early 2022. Additionally, MIFMA will host a separate Year End Food Access Meeting for direct marketing farmers who operate food assistance benefits at their farm stands will be held later this year.