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 Megan.
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.
Council workgroups are established based on council's priorities and activities. There are several groups currently operating.
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 under H.R. 1 may impact households, increasing the number of food insecure households. Some adults applying for or already receiving SNAP will need to work or complete other approved activities to keep their benefits. Many people who need to meet this new requirement may already be doing so through work, school, or other approved activities, and some others may qualify for an exemption. Visit MDHHS to learn about these work requirements and possible exemptions.
You can meet work requirements in one of two ways. At least one month of the six months leading up to your renewal/review period, you must:
You can combine activities to reach 80 hours in a single month. Report your activities and the number of hours completed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
If you need assistance meeting the work requirements, Oakland County Michigan Works! participates in the Michigan Works! Agency Employment and Training Program which may help individuals meet their work requirement. United Way of Southeastern Michigan has a volunteer portal to located qualifying volunteer opportunities.
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)
The Oakland County Food Policy Council meets every other month from 9-10:30 A.M. unless indicated otherwise. The council meets both in-person and virtually, email Amanda Woods to receive a meeting link or location.
In April 2025, Oakland County Health and Human Services engaged Public Sector Consultants (PSC) to conduct a food landscape assessment that explored food security and access across the county, as well as generated recommendations that will improve access to food and reduce waste of food.
Key findings:
Email to be added to the Oakland County Food Policy Council newsletter
The EGLE MI Healthy Climate Plan set a goal to reduce food waste in half by 2030. Food waste reduction is a highlighted goal in the Oakland County Food Landscape Assessment. Council members developed a guide to for businesses and consumers. Explore additional recommendations from Michigan Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
This report was conducted by the Council's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Workgroup.
The goal of these membership options is to formalize membership expectations to build a more collaborative, engaged, active council and existing. New and existing Oakland County Food Policy Council members will be asked to commit to one of these membership levels. Agreement is not binding, and members can adjust their commitment as necessary. Download the membership charter.
