City of Saginaw, Michigan

October 11, 2023 SAGINAW, MI – The City of Saginaw would like residents to provide their input on grocery retail options and food access in the City of Saginaw. The City, in partnership with Public Policy Associates, a research and consulting firm, has released the Saginaw Food Access Survey to ask residents their opinions on grocery retail options and food access in the city. The Food Access Survey will be used by Saginaw City Council as they plan, make decisions, and take action to increase food access in the City. Residents that complete the survey will have a chance to win a $50 gift card. 20 lucky names will be selected to win!!

To participate in the survey, click here.

In September 2022, Saginaw City Council adopted the motion to allocate $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address Saginaw’s Food Insecurity/Food Desert challenges in the City of Saginaw. The goals of the funding are to reduce food insecurity, increase food access, and support healthy eating behaviors for people in the City of Saginaw. Several food retail ideas have been proposed, including a food co-op, a food club, or a for-profit grocery store. The Food Access Survey will allow the community to become involved in the decision-making around a particular grocery model. Specifically, the survey will ask residents which grocery model they would like in the city, what challenges residents face when shopping for food, and what they do now to get food for themselves and their family. 

Citizens can access the survey by visiting the city’s website at www.saginaw-mi.com. The survey is available in English and in Spanish. Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall, City Manager’s Office, 1315 S. Washington Avenue Room 203. Citizens needing access to a public computer or assistance with the survey can visit any branch of the Public Libraries of Saginaw, Saginaw Community Action Center, Houghton Jones Neighborhood Association or the Neighb for additional assistance.

Mayor Pro Tem Annie Boensch commented on the value of the survey, “Saginaw City Council is working hard to address the key issues that negatively affect our city and improve the health and quality of life for our citizens. We realize there is a great need to increase access to healthy food for city residents. For any grocery store model to be sustainable in the long run, it needs to have the support of and meet the needs of the community. The Food Access Survey allows residents to provide their input and help us make the best decision as we develop this grocery retail model for our city.”

The City will be hosting a special Neighborhood Association Action Group (NAAG) Meeting on Tuesday, October 17 at 12pm at City Hall Council Chambers, Room 205, to discuss the survey. Anna Colby, Project Manager for Public Policy Associates, will attend the meeting to hear from residents and assist with the survey. Additional community meetings will be held throughout October and November to receive input from residents. 

Anna Colby, Project Manager for Public Policy Associates, commented on the importance of citizen input for the survey. “Public Engagement is the key to a successful and beneficial process as we develop plans and look for ways to increase food access in the City of Saginaw. Ultimately, the feasibility of any grocery retail model will require strong support from the community. We value everyone’s opinion. I encourage all residents within the City of Saginaw to get involved-- take a few minutes to complete the Food Access Survey and plan to attend one of the upcoming community meetings. You’ll help shape Saginaw’s future and you will be eligible to win a $50 gift card.“

Saginaw residents can also help spread the word about the survey or assist with future community meetings. Residents can contact Anna Colby at acolby@publicpolicy.com to learn how they can help.

For more information on the Food Study Survey or upcoming community meetings, please visit the City of Saginaw website at www.saginaw-mi.com or contact the City Manager’s Office at (989) 759-1401.

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