Munson Healthcare is inviting community members of all ages to participate in the Voices for Food Access contest, a regional art initiative celebrating stories of nourishment, resilience, and creativity.
Under the theme “Your Voice. Your Table. Our Community.” the contest encourages individuals to submit original artwork that reflects what food access means to them. Submissions should be completed by February 11 and may include visual art, photography, fiber art, written word, music (limited to 60 seconds), or any other artistic medium, and are open to residents across Northern Michigan.
“This program is a beautiful reminder that food is more than a meal—it’s connection, care, and community,” said Christina Nowak, System Director of Community Health and Engagement at Munson Healthcare. “We’re proud to offer a platform where people can share their stories and help strengthen food access efforts across Northern Michigan.”
Submissions will be voted on by community members in three age categories:
Children (up to age 8)
Youth (ages 9–17)
Adults (18 and up)
The first 75 submissions will receive a $50 digital gift card redeemable for fresh, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables at Michigan grocery stores along with a ticket to the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition Empty Bowls event. These prize dollars are intended to help individuals try a new healthy recipe, stretch their grocery budget, or even pass the card along to a local food pantry if it’s not something they need right now.
“We’re extending tickets to the Empty Bowls event to invite more community members into the conversation around food access. The event offers a meaningful way to contribute to the local food landscape, connect with neighbors, and support efforts to reduce hunger across Northwest Michigan. Whether you're someone we serve or someone who wants to make a difference, we hope to see you there,” said Kathy Maly, Chair of the Empty Bowls Event.
In addition, winners in each category will also have the opportunity to direct a $1,000 Munson Healthcare donation to a local food access organization of their choice.
“This contest builds upon our ongoing work with community partners to support food access,” Nowak added. “In recent months, we’ve been proud to contribute to organizations like the Manna Food Project, Otsego County Food Pantry, Crawford County Community Christian Food Pantry, Charlevoix Community Food Pantry, Blessings in a Backpack programs in Benzie and Manistee, Goodwill Northern Michigan, and more—each doing vital work to nourish our neighbors. This initiative is another way to elevate those efforts and invite the community to be part of the solution.”
Submissions will be accepted online through foodaccess.voicesforcommunityhealth.org. Community members are also encouraged to take the Voices for Healthy Food Access pledge and explore the resource bank, which offers options for those facing food access challenges as well as opportunities for others to get involved or donate if they’re able.
To learn more, submit your artwork, or get involved, visit foodaccess.voicesforcommunityhealth.org.
About Munson Healthcare:
Rated by Fortune Magazine/PINC as one of the Top 15 Health Systems in the nation, Munson Healthcare is a non-profit health system serving over 500,000 residents across Northern Michigan. As the largest healthcare organization in the region, MHC serves its communities through primary care and specialty clinics, urgent cares, outpatient imaging, lab, and surgical facilities, five community hospitals, and three regional hospitals including Munson Medical Center that is home to Cowell Family Cancer Center, Munson Orthopedic Institute, Traverse Heart and Vascular, and The Witham Family Comprehensive Stroke Center. Learn more at munsonhealthcare.org.
About Voices for Community Health:
Voices for Community Health is an annual art contest led by Munson Healthcare. The program invites individuals of all ages to share personal expressions of art for the given topic to amplify community voice, foster awareness, connection, and action. This year’s topic—healthy food access—aims to share resources, traditions, and stories to help build a more nourished and resilient region—one story at a time.