About Us
How Ottawa Food Works
Ottawa Food operates as a collaborative network where diverse organizations and individuals pool their expertise, resources, and passion to address food insecurity, nutrition, and supporting local farmers. Ottawa Food is led by a dedicated coordinator on OCDPH’s Health Planning and Promotion team.
Our Collaborative Structure
Members shape countywide efforts, inform best practices, and contribute to meaningful change. By their participation,
members gain opportunities to network, share ideas, and problem-solve alongside peers who share their commitment to community health.
Ottawa Food holds quarterly meetings with the full group. Between these quarterly meetings, subcommittees focused on the three priority areas meet monthly. An advisory board meets every two months to provide governance, approve policy recommendations, address sudden or critical needs, assist with fundraising and membership development, and promote Ottawa Food’s work throughout the community.
As an initiative of OCDPH, the Ottawa Food coordinator is funded through health department.
Latest Publications
Our vision
A future where everyone in Ottawa County has the resources and knowledge to nourish themselves and thrive.
Strategies
Better Connect People to Food Resources
2028 GOAL:
Increase food resource access points throughout the county.
2028 OBJECTIVES:
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Increase food resource access point hours/days open
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Increase produce available at food resource access points (food pantries, mobile food pantries, etc.), utilizing local food when possible
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25% increase in resources available for home delivery (including meals and food boxes)
Strengthen Nutrition Education Collaboration
2028 GOAL:
20% increase in participation in nutrition education activities delivered by OF members
2028 OBJECTIVES:
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One Food as Medicine train the trainer event for OF members per year
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Nutrition education providers report increase in effectiveness and value of collaboration
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Food survey respondents – especially those who are food insecure or have chronic health conditions – report greater confidence in making healthy food choices
Strengthen Collaboration Between Local Farmers and Food Resource Providers
2028 GOAL:
Increase in number and strength of partnerships with local farms
2028 OBJECTIVES:
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$10,000 in new funding to subsidize purchasing from local farms
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Three new partnerships with mid- to large-scale farms
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Farmers report that working with food pantries increases their financial sustainability
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Farmers report improved satisfaction in working with local food pantries
Consumer Advisory Committee
Ottawa Food also has a Consumer Advisory Committee that exists to engage residents and ensure that Ottawa Food receives feedback and suggestions from community members. The Committee consists of a group of Ottawa County residents who use at least one type of food resource (Bridge Card, WIC, food pantry, Meals on Wheels, Commodities, etc.). Participants provide feedback on current and future Ottawa Food initiatives.
Read more about how we describe each one by clicking below.
- All members participate actively in the work of Ottawa Food.
- We accomplish the goals we set in our strategic plan.
- We don’t just talk; we turn discussion into viable action.
- Through our various programs, we connect people with food resources.
- We share resources with each other, help promote related activities, and work together on large projects like piloting new services or influencing public policy.
- We partner with existing systems/organizations to accomplish the work of Ottawa Food rather than create duplicate efforts.
- We work regularly with other food policy councils and coalitions from around the State of Michigan to accomplish mutual goals.
- • We leverage funding to create a bigger impact.
- We make data driven decisions to create our goals and use research-based and promising practices to create our strategies.
- We acknowledge when an issue is beyond our capability, capacity, or resources to make a positive difference.
- We measure and assess the effectiveness of our projects.
- We are good stewards of the financial resources we are given.
- We actively build an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of race, ethnicity, social class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, accessibility needs, or country of origin.
- We always seek input on the work that we do from the communities, individuals, and families we are trying to help, including hosting quarterly “Consumer Advisory Committee” meetings.
- We strive to translate all of our materials for the benefit of non-English speakers.
- We continue to educate ourselves around leading diversity, inclusion, and equity issues and practices.
- We structure our work to be partners with those who benefit from the work of Ottawa Food vs. seeing people as recipients of the work.
- We listen carefully to our members, community partners, and residents to inform the decisions we make.
- We understand that the issues we’re highlighting are sensitive in nature (i.e. hunger) and as a collaborative are thoughtful in how we address them.
- We dispel myths or misunderstandings about issues related to hunger and healthy eating.
- We work to understand the true barriers to healthy eating for all demographics of people.
- We learn from people’s real experiences and let that drive our work rather than act on previously-held assumptions.