Benton Harbor City Commissioners have welcomed word that a Food Club could be coming to the community with the help of Feeding America West Michigan.
Speaking to commissioners Monday, Feeding America West Michigan President Ken Estelle said there is a high level of food insecurity in Benton Harbor, and the group is seeking partners to get started on addressing that.
The Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation’s Ashley Hines said it’s exciting news.
“We’re currently rehabbing a house in the Empire Corridor to serve as a community resiliency hub, and a large part of that is going to focus on food cultivation,” Hines said. “So, that’s why I’m excited about this concept with the Food Club.”
Estelle said Food Clubs are like grocery stores where members pay a fee to get points to buy whatever they want. There’s plenty of choice.
“Dignity is a very important part, consumer participation,” Estelle said. “We have a buy in. There’s small member fee, and that’s been kind of like, ‘Well, what’s up with that?’ But we’ve really found that has created a sense of pride with the folks who are members of the Food Club. It’s their Food Club.”
Estelle said healthier foods cost fewer points, but a member can choose whatever they like. The Food Club will likely be pantry-based.
Estelle didn’t yet have a launch date. The organization is still looking for local partners.
