food insecurity

Over 60 community leaders and service agencies got together Monday to talk about racial disparities and how federal budget cuts could affect Washtenaw County. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

A preliminary report suggests Ann Arbor’s pilot Guaranteed Income Pilot program statistically significant differences in food, housing or utility insecurities compared to those in the study not getting GI payments. But it’s still early in the process. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Michigan is part of a of a group of states suing the Trump administration to block access to confidential information the state has on people who use federal food assistance. We have more from Rick Pluta.

President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill" is now the law, and it includes significant cuts to many social safety net programs. That includes Medicaid and food programs. Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels delivers a lot of meals provided by impacted food pantries to the community’s aging and homebound population. What will the impact be moving forward and what is the plan to accommodate the changes? WEMU's David Fair discussed it with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels president and CEO, Barbara Niess-May.

Housing and food insecurity continue to grow in Washtenaw County, and the organizations that assist people through the difficult times are facing some challenges of their own right now. Rhonda Weathers is the executive director of SOS Community Services. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the role SOS Community Services has played in its 55 years in the area.

The Washtenaw County Food Policy Council says its funding appears to be in decent shape for the coming year, but there are concerns on how cuts out of Washington will affect the community. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

United Way of Southeastern Michigan has earmarked $5.2 million to support households in need, over $1 million of which will benefit Washtenaw County nonprofits. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

New federal policy and direction has changed over the last six months, and you can see the impacts starting to manifest. It’s impacting many service-oriented non-profits and the people they serve. You can count Community Action Network in Washtenaw County among them. WEMU's David Fair spoke to executive director Derrick Miller about the response to funding and DEI program cuts in our community.

Michigan 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says passage of the Republicans’ reconciliation of President Trump’s "big, beautiful bill" is dangerous and will have detrimental effects across Michigan. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Federal cuts to the USDA are increasing food insecurity throughout the country and right here in Washtenaw County. Local food banks are already feeling the pinch, and those they serve in the community are growing more anxious. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ann Arbor-based Food Gatherers President and CEO Eileen Spring about efforts to offset the cuts and maintain service levels.