At A Glance
At least 2,057 members of the Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) in northern Michigan can shop and eat healthier thanks to a new farmers’ market that opened in July 2015. Tribal communities have long struggled with obesity and other health issues because of limited access to healthy, local food options. The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan used support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help the BMIC offer fresh produce to residents. The market’s first season ran for 10 weeks and attracted more than 900 visitors.
Public Health Challenge
Lack of access to healthy food options has significantly affected the health and well-being of Native Americans. A 2010 CDC survey of 3 tribal communities, including the BMIC, found that 68% of adults were overweight or obese and 2 in 3 adults did not eat the recommended number of servings of fruits or vegetables each day. In Chippewa County, where the majority of the BMIC is located, only 1% of residents live within half a mile of a park. This lack of access to opportunities for physical activity only worsens the health crisis facing the BMIC. According to the CDC, Native Americans have a higher chance of dying from diet- and inactivity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease than other population groups in Michigan and across the nation. For BMIC members to be healthier, they must have access to quality, affordable food where they live.
Approach
The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan identified starting a farmers’ market as a strategic way to improve the health of residents in the BMIC and boost the local economy. The Council leveraged funding from CDC’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program to convene 28 members from the BMIC for planning efforts. From there, a REACH tribal coordinator visited nearby markets to learn best practices. Community leaders also worked with a BMIC food sovereignty committee to ensure the farmers’ market reflected tribe values and food traditions. Potential vendors were recruited using local newspaper ads and the Michigan State University Extension’s market maker website.