IGE GR

go slow.
let go.
seem lazy.
take it easy
& war will cease.
increase
respect
expect
difference
life is not a race.
proceed at your own pace.
police your space.
release fear and anger with grace.
embrace peace.
not scary.
very necessary
take it easy
& war will cease.

The South East Market is not only an important new addition to the area in regards to food access, it is also founded on a philosophy that will uplift the moral integrity of both business and community. As the mission states, the market aims to “increase access to healthy and culturally appropriate food for our community through a sustainable and equitable lens.” Alita Kelly, the founder, understands the contiguous connection between our bodies and the Earth and that the health of one depends on the other. Having grown up in the area herself, she also understands that there are voices missing. Alita recently graduated from the University of Michigan in Environmental Science and Sustainable Business. Her past work with local food access organizations and managing nutritional programs has led her to the ambitious pursuit of empowering equitable and sustainable food systems. The value of our health is priceless, which is why the market aims to support the community at large, not exclusively the southeast area. However, the marginalized neighborhoods on the southeast side of Grand Rapids have long endured a lack of healthy food options, which is why the market is particularly committed to bridging that gap for the residents.

The land we live on today, and the land that the market will stand on, is not our own. It is important to understand the history of this land, which once belonged to the peoples of the First Nation. Indigenous philosophy declares that land cannot be owned, it is viewed as our mother and it is our responsibility to care for it, like a relationship. According to their teachings, respect, responsibility, and reciprocity are essential components of maintaining a healthy relationship with both people and nature. These components are also embedded in the foundation of the market.

Sustainability is crucial for a healthy future, but equity is essential as well. Equity starts with respecting and understanding the community’s values and desires, and then aiding in the effort to reach those desires while preserving their dignity. Out of respect for the community’s needs the South East Market makes healthy and affordable produce accessible for families; out of respect for the land the market is sourcing that produce conscientiously. By making these promises, the market also has a responsibility to uphold its values and ensure that concerns for equity are addressed.

The responsibilities we hold correspond with the gifts we are given; as humans, we have the gift of stewardship, knowledge, gratitude, etc. Applying these gifts and more, the market is fulfilling its responsibility to the health of the land and community. It is solving issues through business and community outreach by listening to the community members firsthand. After all, the produce cannot be culturally appropriate without familiarity with the culture. Similarly, the produce is not necessarily ensuring equity if it is not being sourced from a diversity of farmers. The market recognizes this as well and intends to source as much product as possible from Black, Indigenous, people of color and women farmers in the Michigan area. In an effort to keep the food prices affordable for our community members, however, additional food will be supplemented by local farms and larger distribution companies.

In order for the relationship to be successful it must be symbiotic, which in this case means that if the community wants to see the local businesses thrive and continue into the future, the community must also do its part and support the business. By both parties fulfilling their responsibilities it becomes mutually beneficial, also referred to as a reciprocal relationship. With the continual support of the community it becomes even easier for the South East Market to provide more options and meet more needs. The market will soon be able to accept payments from both Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With shown interest, there are also hopes to start community workshops to educate the public on various topics concerning health and well-being. The market recognizes the value of a sparked interest, hopefully its farmer-to-consumer connection will inspire the community to learn more about the ways in which their food is produced.

While in its infancy, the market will conduct business virtually. The customers can visit the website and choose which items they would like in their food order. Everything sold through the business will be highly reviewed for its level of sustainable production. The market is working to also offer options that are designed to improve health conditions, such as diabetes, or help work toward personal health goals by organizing a pre-arranged basket of ingredients and recipe cards to prepare the healthy meals. To further aid with accessibility, customers may choose to pick up their produce or have it delivered if they reside within the 49507 zip code.  

The market is an investment in the community to uplift the voices and make it a happier and healthier environment, but it also needs your support and small investments to do so effectively. Please visit the market’s website for more information. If you support community health and empowerment please consider donating to the South East Market’s GoFundMe page.

Re: COVID-19, Michigan Unemployment & Medicare

My name is Matthew Brady and my partner Elizabeth and I live in Holland, Michigan. We met in our mid-thirties and have been together five years. I grew up in Cheboygan county, but Elizabeth grew up in Holland. Elizabeth has Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (Type 2C), which is a very rare form of LGMD. She can move her fingers and speak clearly and is able to work part-time from home. The muscle’s behind Elizabeth’s lungs have weekend to the point where she needs machines to assist her in coughing and ventilating CO2 during sleep. This factor also makes her vulnerable to complications with respiratory infections/diseases, such as COVID-19.

I am fortunately very much aware of the problem of induction and so I keep an eye out for big problems. I started preparing for the COVID-19 outbreak by early March. Elizabeth has aide care, and that is very precious and necessary for us, but the threat of contracting COVID-19 from an aide was a major concern for us. Elizabeth consulted her doctor in mid-March, and he recommended having as few people entering the home as possible. So I told the printshop (I had worked for eight years) that I needed to be her critical worker during the Stay Home/Stay Safe order. The printshop was fine with it at first, and when I spoke with HR, it sounded like I was going to get partial sick pay. Then I was laid off in April, and ultimately terminated at the end of May. By June I was completely unemployed and Elizabeth was struggling to get her aide care back to normal. Her aide care makes it possible for her to work and ultimately me. Having consistent, reliable, and safe aide care provides me respite care and allows me to be able to work full-time. Providing 100% of Elizabeth’s care (both personal and professional) for ten weeks was very physically taxing on me and difficult for us emotionally. Elizabeth finally got her aide care completely back on track by the end of July. Elizabeth has two aides providing her care and they are responsible and respectful of her being high-risk. 

I had a difficult time getting my assistance from the Michigan Unemployment Agency, but I finally did receive my benefits recently. Now the problem is finding a job. With a second wave of COVID-19 on the horizon, it seems like no-one is ready to begin hiring longterm. 

I’m very interested in relocating up north; where I grew up. I have stronger ties to a community there. I’m also concerned that, aside from Amazon and the 5G sector, the majority of our economy is heading for tough times. It just makes sense to me that the future is more local (in food production as one example) and so that’s where I’d like to see us. Elizabeth has a lot of concerns though, because there is a lot more to consider when you are significantly disabled. It would sure be nice to have some hope for Medicare for all or even a public option, because that of course is a huge concern for us. I lost my health care when I was terminated in May, and that’s not even one of my priorities at this point.

We are very fortunate and blessed compared to most. Our bills are paid for now and we have the basics. We are grateful to IGE for supporting the Western Michigan community. I wish I could spend more time with IGE, and do more in the community. I am trying to figure out how to help some environmentalists from home. I just hope people can come together and support each other during these troubled times.

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/InstituteforGlobalEducation

Crafting Better Communities (formerly Sewing Circle)

We are returning Tuesdays from 2pm to 7pm.

Call IGE Office for schedule and dates. Face masks (we have available) and social distancing required.

At IGE office: 1118 Wealthy SE, Grand Rapids Parking behind building (paid until 5pm), near 4, 5 & 6 bus lines   

CREATE: arts, crafts, sew, knit, crochet, draw, color, teach, learn, etc., or just talk. Sewing machine, button maker, art & sign supplies, kid’s stuff, worktables.  Collaborative projects welcome.

BOOKS:  including “Crafting the Resistance”, “Doomsday Knits”, “Re-Sew”, “Sewing Green”.  On-line resources.

Come and go as you like. Coffee & tea. No charge but goodwill donations appreciated.

To schedule special projects like sign making, workshops, individual help or other times contact Kate at 773-220-0847

The Covid-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation socially and economically – and that means many Michigan residents may be out of work or facing financial crisis. There are resources available for those that need food, financial assistance, unemployment resources and help paying their utility bills, just to name a few.

A good place to start is by contacting Michigan’s 2-1-1 system, where you’ll be connected to a list of resources across Michigan for help with food, diapers, rental assistance, energy bills and bus fare, to name a few. 

Here’s how to connect:

·         Call 2-1-1

·         Text your zip code to 898211

·         Visit the link: https://www.mi211.org/

Additionally, those interested in donating supplies, donating to a food bank or donating blood during the pandemic can call 2-1-1 as well.

Assistance

If you need assistance with health care coverage, cash assistance, food assistance, childcare costs or emergency housing, utility payments or burial situations, the state of Michigan has a streamlined application system through MI Bridges.

How to apply:

·         Online at newmibridges.michigan.gov

·         Using a paper application, which can be found online or at a local MDHHS office. Call your local MDHHS office and they will mail the application to you.

·         At a local MDHHS office, which can be found here

·         At a community partner, which can be found here

For healthcare coverage only, you can apply over the phone by calling 1-855-276-4627

The state of Michigan has expanded the food assistance benefits for Michigan families, and waived the federal work requirements for about 27,000 individuals. Find out more information here.

Food

The state’s 2-1-1 system is a great resource to get connected with local food drives and giveaways.

The state also has a map of where families can find free lunches for children while school is closed due to the pandemic.

·         View the Michigan Department of Education’s food service site locator

Additionally, these news sites offer a wide-ranging roundup of where free food is available across Michigan.

·         How to find free lunch for Michigan kids with schools shut down

·         Michigan families can get food, cash, internet during coronavirus crisis

Rent and Housing

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has temporarily suspended all evictions in Michigan until April 17.

For assistance with emergency housing, get connected with the state’s MI Bridges program.

Additionally, the state offers interest-free forgivable loans to help with mortgage, property taxes and/or condominium association fees in cases of involuntary qualifying hardship – like job loss or a medical event. Learn more about the Step Forward Michigan program by:

·         Visiting their website

·         Call 866-946-7432

Utilities

Gov. Whitmer has issued an executive order that requires water service to be reconnected to residences that have had their water shut off.

Additionally, check with your utility providers to see if they have any policies in place to suspend collections or to postpone bills in cases of financial hardship due to COVID-19.

·         DTE Energy and Consumers Energy are not disconnecting service and extending flexible payment plans for low-income customers, seniors and those impacted by illness or job losses related to the pandemic.

·         SEMCO has suspended customer disconnections and has waived late fees for anyone unable to pay their monthly natural gas bill. Call SEMCO if you are concerned about paying your bill at 1-800-624-2019.

·         AT&T is offering free internet access for new customers for two months. Low-income households can continue to subscribe for $10/month. Service will not be terminated due to inability to pay.

·         Comcast and Charter Communications are offering free internet to low-income families. Internet and cable service will not be suspended.

Other resources in Grand Rapids

Electric Cheetah, Kids eat free with an adult meal purchase of $14 or more. 1015 Wealthy St. SE.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation & Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Nonprofit organizations can have their community information and resources translated for free into 85 languages. Contact Holly Rea at email hidden; JavaScript is required or 616- 828-9679 for translation and interpretation requests.

Kent County Community Action Food Distribution will add an additional food distribution day March 26 from 1 p.m.- 6 p.m. at Kent County Community Action, 121 Franklin St. SE. To volunteer click here

Kids’ Food Basket, Looking for volunteers. Text KFB to 56651 to donate. 1300 Plymouth Ave NE.