MDARD: Pandemic exposes food challenges: Returnable cans collected for local service workers; camp format changes

MARQUETTE -- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell on Thursday unveiled the 2021 Food and Agriculture Housing Task Force report aimed at alleviating the challenges and impediments to having ample housing for the state's food and agriculture business sector.

"COVID-19 has shone a bright light on the challenges for providing agriculture housing and the critical role our food and ag workers play in preserving our supply chain," McDowell said. "The task force compiled public input, which will be used to help shape the group's recommendations for food and agriculture housing while balancing the unique needs of each community."

Created in 2020, the Food and Agriculture Housing Task Force's goal was to investigate the need for housing in the state's growing $104.7 billion food and agriculture sector. The assumption was that a lack of affordable housing was playing a key role in the labor shortages processors and producers were facing in Michigan and that it had threatened the security of our food supply chain.

Work force housing and labor is essential when recruiting new companies to Michigan and for current companies to expand in the state, the MDARD said.

The task force, led by MDARD, is composed of the departments of Environment, Great Lakes and Environment, and Labor and Economic Opportunity; Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Michigan State Housing Development Authority; U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development; and Michigan Farm Bureau.

The five key action items identified by the Food and Agriculture Housing Task Force:

≤ Identify a dedicated funding source for the Michigan Housing and Community Development Program;

≤ Amend the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program;

≤ Conduct a statewide survey with GIS mapping to determine where food and ag housing is needed;

≤ Work with key stakeholders to identify build ready sites; and

≤ Work with the newly created Migrant Labor Housing Advisory Board to build housing for agricultural workers that provides a low-cost rental option for workers and employers. This type of housing would fill gaps where farmers are not able to provide housing.

The full report is available for download on the MDARD website.

For more information on MDARD's programs, visit Michigan.gov/MDARD.

Landmark Inn

collecting cans

The Landmark Inn, located at 230 N. Front St., Marquette, is collecting recyclable cans to raise funds for service workers who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in an effort called "Together We Can."

The Landmark Inn is accepting recyclable cans through March 26 in a contactless drop-off system. Donations are to be clean, bagged and dropped off at the designated outdoor area in the parking lot behind the hotel.

All money raised will be distributed to service industry workers in Marquette as they have been heavily impacted as a result of the ongoing global pandemic.

Youth camp becomes day camp

The education team of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, a statewide organization based in Lansing, announced plans to reopen the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp this summer, although it will look much different from past summer camp programs due to COVID-19.

"We have spent the past several months deciding what we believe is the best course of action," MUCC Camp Director Max Bass said in an email. "After consulting with other camp programs and our state licensing official, the safest option is to operate exclusively as a day camp program for this year. We believe this to be the best course for our staff, campers and their families."

The program will operate for six weeks beginning in late June and run until early August. Each week will have a different nature-focused theme, with programs offered for campers ages 5 to 14.

"COVID-19 is still a concern, and while the trends are improving, we cannot afford to risk all of the time and expenses in preparing for a residential experience and have that canceled," Bass said. "The layout of our facilities, property and residential programs limits our ability to follow mandated COVID guidelines for a weeklong, overnight experience. This leaves the risk of a COVID outbreak from our residential setting too high."

The best way to minimize the risk while bringing back the camp programs, he said, is to switch to a day camp program this summer.

Campers will be able to remain outdoors, masked-up and socially distant throughout each week.

"We have limited the capacity of participants on the property at any one time," Bass said. "We will also adjust our group sizes to keep the campers in small pods as recommended by our licensing agents.

"The switch to a day camp does not mean that our programs and our focus on conservation education will change. All of our campers will still participate in an exciting week, immersing themselves in the outdoors and learning a variety of outdoor technical skills."

For instance, he said campers will continue to learn about fishing, swimming, kayaking and building a fire and shelter; spend time on the archery range; and explore the different ecosystems that the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center, located in downstate Chelsea, has to offer.

Online camp registration begins March 1 through the camp's online provider, CampDoc. Registration is available at www.mucccamp.org.

For more information, contact Bass at mbass@mucc.org.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.