Empowering Individuals With Lived Experience of Food Insecurity: The Feeding Michigan Families Community Food Advocacy Fellowship

Background and Objectives: The Feeding Michigan Families Community Food Advocacy Fellowship (CFAF) aimed to empower Michigan parents who have experienced food insecurity to advocate for policies and programs that improve communities' dignified access to healthy food. Methods: Nineteen fellows participated in the 8-month fellowship from March to October 2024, which included training webinars, skill-building sessions, and individual coaching. Results: After completing CFAF, fellows' confidence to engage in advocacy activities increased and all reported greater community engagement. Conclusions and Discussion: Parents who have experienced food insecurity are eager to be advocates and benefit from support to strengthen their skills, confidence, and professional networks.