Berrien County faces disproportionately high rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, conditions strongly shaped by nutrition and closely linked to persistent food insecurity and fragmented food-health systems. These burdens fall hardest on vulnerable populations, particularly Black residents, who face significantly higher rates of heart disease and stroke. These disparities underscore the need for a coordinated, equity-centered response that expands access to nutritious food and redefines how healthcare and food systems intersect.
The Southwest Michigan Food Is Health Collaborative (SWMI FIHC) brings together healthcare providers, community-based organizations, agricultural stakeholders, and residents with lived experience to build a cross-sector coalition advancing food and health equity. The Collaborative envisions a regional food ecosystem where locally grown, nutrient-dense food is a cornerstone of chronic disease prevention, economic development, and community wellness.
Many projects and programs are in the pipeline. Two of the first to launch are the Nutrition Exchange of Southwest Michigan and Meat The Need.
Nutrition Exchange of Southwest Michigan
The Nutrition Exchange pilot project falls under the umbrella of the Southwest Michigan Food is Health Collaborative, convened by Berrien Community Foundation. It's a county-wide effort to connect local farmers with food pantries, senior meal sites, and home-delivered meal programs — making fresh, healthy food more accessible to those in need.
Launched with a $200,000 grant from The Cook Plant Foundation, this initiative is about more than food. It’s about dignity, health, and community — neighbors helping neighbors while supporting local agriculture.
Led by Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan, the Exchange is building a stronger, healthier future where fresh, nutritious food is accessible to all.
Meat The Need
Nearly 3,000 pounds of high-quality, locally-raised pork and beef made its way into the homes of food-insecure families in Berrien County because generous donors, farmers, health experts and community leaders came together to “Meat The Need.”
Berrien Community Foundation piloted the new program in August by giving local businesses and individuals the opportunity to donate the pigs and cows they won during the Berrien County Youth Fair livestock auction. In total, 18 pigs and 1 cow were donated!
Thank you to the generous donors!
AEP Cook Nuclear Plant, Whirlpool Corporation, Harbor Shores, Midwest Energy & Communication, North American Midway Entertainment, Southwestern Michigan College, Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit, retired Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey, Brian Totzke, Brett Totzke and Jennifer Springer.
Community Food Network Director Kathy Craig.
Partners
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