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Council, social determinants like racial inequality, health, age, disability status and poverty play a significant role in food insecurity in Michigan, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated those challenges — making people affected by them even more vulnerable. The report also found that food insecurity is widely accepted as a determinant of overall health and is associated with increased healthcare costs across the country.

Despite the adaptability and resilience of many organizations and agencies working to fight food insecurity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains a persistent problem throughout Michigan and the United States, and one that has many families concerned about their ability to participate in the holiday season.

“With Christmas and Chanukah coming up, there is a huge focus on food, and we want to help people stay within their

budget while enjoying the season,” Cunningham said.

Some of the topics that will be discussed in the virtual workshop will include:

• Downloading food apps to find lower food prices in stores

• Sticking to a list at the store — planning what you are going to make before heading to the store

• Food storage — when it makes sense to buy in bulk and how to avoid spoilage by appropriate storage

• Return to couponing: clipping coupons and using digital coupons on apps

• Trying different stores which might have lower cost options

• Exploring store brands

• When you do dine out, look for Groupons and other discounts

Michiganders interested in participating in the program can register at geshermi.org. Those in need of financial counseling can also email financialhelp@geshermi.org. or call 248-233-4299. To read the full 2022 report from the Food Security Council, visit Michigan.gov