Council Vision and Mission

The Oakland County Food Policy Council is a collaboration of food system partners in Oakland County. The Oakland County Food Policy Council was born out of the ECHO Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to address and increase access to healthy foods for those who live, work, attend school, worships, and plays in Oakland County. The council was formalized in September 2016. Interested in joining the council? Want to learn more? Contact Amanda at woodsa@oakgov.com.

Vision: Oakland County has a fair, sustainable, and culturally friendly food system that encourages healthy eating for all.

Mission: To lead and advance food policy and system change that will increase equitable and healthy access for all.

Workgroups

Council workgroups are established based on council's priorities and activities. There are several groups currently operating.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice: Working to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within the council's mission, culture, and operations
• Collaborative Funding: Identifying ways partner members can work together to deepen their impact across the county.
• Two new workgroups emerged for 2026 - more information to come!

Council Membership

• Emergency Food Providers
• Area Hospitals
• School Districts & Higher Education
• Social Service Agencies
• Local Health Departments
• Oakland County Residents
• Community Organizations
• Local Government

Impact of SNAP Cuts in Oakland County

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, i.e. food stamps) provides benefits for qualifying low-income households to purchase food. New Federal Budget Reconciliation guidelines may impact households, increasing the number of food insecure households. Read about the impacts in Oakland County.

United Way produced this informative two page document on the new work requirements and reporting process.

Resource Guide for SNAP Households

The Council created a guide for SNAP households. The guide provides information on food resources and non-food resources and programs (i.e. internet and phone discounts, museum discounts, and tax preparation services)

Oakland County Resources

• Additional information/resources will be updated as available on the Oakland County Health Division website.
• Oakland Connects Helpline is also available at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Gleaners Community Food Bank

• Gleaners continues to serve those in need. They continue to work with partner pantries and are expanding food distribution efforts to include additional drive-up mobile sites in Oakland and surrounding counties. Community distribution sites occur weekly at multiple locations and will be added regularly to the Gleaners Food Bank website. Please call a pantry location call ahead of time in case an appointment or paperwork may be necessary.

Forgotten Harvest

• Forgotten Harvest updates its website daily with the most current list of active distribution sites receiving its food. Forgotten Harvest urges a household to check with listed agencies for any last minute changes before going to an agency distribution site.

2-1-1

• Find help 24/7 online, via text, or phone
• Call 2-1-1 or text zip code to 898211

When School is on Summer Break

Summer Feeding Sites

Kids 18 and under can get free meals and snacks at participating locations. Here is a list of sites across Oakland County. Visit Michigan Department of Education's map to find sites across the state.

SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)

Michigan Summer EBT is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who get Michigan Summer EBT can still participate in other summer meal programs. Visit MDHHS to receive program updates and eligibility.