ECH teams work collaboratively throughout Eaton County, to create neighborhoods and communities where individuals and families thrive. We do this with an ‘upstream’ approach, serving as a catalyst for improving in the “social determinants of health (SDOH)” in our county. All ECH programs are rooted in collective impact… a collaborative approach to improving our communities. We work with residents, local organizations, health care, and local government. Our HealthComm programs work with county healthcare organizations such as hospitals and health departments to address SDOH priorities in Eaton county.
Refrigerated SMART Lockers
The most recent food insecurity data* indicates that 12.8% of all Eaton County residents do not have enough food for their next few days. For children, that number increases to 15%. And for Black and Hispanic residents in Eaton County, the numbers rise to a stark 28% and 19% respectively.
While numerous nonprofits and pantries currently provide food to those who are food insecure, none are open to residents 24-7. Innovations like refrigerated food lockers improve access to nutrition for residents who struggle to have enough food for their household by reducing barriers to access, such as working daytime hours during the weekday when most safety-net food is available. Food lockers allow residents to acquire food when it fits into their schedules or during an emergency. Lockers also allow for discretion when personal safety is a concern.
The lockers are part of a collaborative program that includes Eaton Community Health (ECH), which owns the lockers and coordinates the program; University of Michigan Health – Sparrow Eaton, which hosts the lockers on its Charlotte campus; Greater Lansing Food Bank, which provides regional and national connections to food sources and strategies; Barry-Eaton District Health Department, which provides food security data, nutrition information and other local metrics; and the recently formed Eaton County Food Council, which will provide strategic input and guidance. Funding for the lockers was provided by an impact grant through the Capital Region Community Foundation.
The first use of the food lockers in Charlotte and Eaton Rapids will be by local agencies providing food assistance. They will be able to order and deliver food to the lockers, to assist local residents needing access to food outside of normal pantry hours. Many other uses of the lockers, to assist with food security, will be added over time.
Those interested in learning more or in getting involved with this program can reach out to ECH at 517-652-3228 or kalli@ech-eaton.org.
The Eaton County Food Council is a resident inspired program convening a diverse group of Eaton county partners around hyperlocal food related issues.
For More Information on the Eaton County Food Council visit our Resources and information page.
Fuel the Cure is a program administered by Eaton Community Health to connect Eaton County residents who have a cancer diagnosis to gas cards providing transportation to treatment & appointments.
These fuel cards are the result of dedicated fundraising efforts by Charlotte Public Schools, to raise money in support of cancer patients who must travel for their appointments and treatments. Money was raised at the Pink Out football game in October and will be raised again at the Hooping for a Cure basketball game in March.