STORIES

For generations, Southwest Michigan farmers have shaped the region’s economy and identity, with the Benton Harbor Fruit Market (BHFM) serving as a key connection point between growers and buyers. Today, that system faces growing challenges. Farmers struggle with uncertainty in selling their products, and many residents lack consistent access to fresh, locally grown food.

A regional feasibility study is now underway to explore whether a year-round local produce marketplace at BHFM could help address both problems. To be clear, this is a study only. No retail outlet is being built, and no development decisions have been made. The goal is to find out whether this kind of farmer-centered model could realistically work for this region.

The study is led by United Way of Southwest Michigan / Be Healthy Berrien in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. New Venture Advisors is conducting the study, with agricultural input from Dad’s Farm Market and Molter Produce. SBG Health Strategies is acknowledged for its role in securing the award. Funding is provided by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

“Farmers need buyers to show up, and buyers need to know there’s enough product. Rebuilding that trust and consistency on both sides is really the key,” one participant shared during a recent listening session.

Farmer input has been central from the start. A March 2026 listening session, co-hosted with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, gave farmers and food system stakeholders the opportunity to share candid feedback that will shape the study’s direction.

“If the pricing is right and the volume is there, I’d bring [the] product — but I need to know the market is serious,” another farmer noted.

The study will examine food hub operations and business planning, infrastructure and technology needs, workforce strategies, food access partnerships, SNAP/EBT integration, and long-term financial sustainability. It is expected to be completed in Q1 2027.

“This effort is assessing our region’s assets, needs, gaps, and opportunities,” said John Egelhaaf, Executive Director of the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. “It’s an opportunity to explore how stronger connections between local production and access could support farmer viability, improve food access, and build a more resilient regional food system.”

Two public surveys are now open for farmers and producers as well as community residents across Southwest Michigan. Visit BeHealthyBerrien.org to find the links and share your perspective.

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About Be Healthy Berrien 
Be Healthy Berrien, launched in 2010, is a county-wide initiative focused on improving community health through policy, system, and environmental change. The initiative works to expand access to nutritious food and promote active living across Berrien County. It is guided by a steering committee that includes the Berrien County Health Department, Corewell Health, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and the YMCA of Greater Michiana. United Way of Southwest Michigan serves as the anchor agency. Visit BeHealthyBerrien.org

About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create & sustain a united community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community’s most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocating, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org.

About Southwest Michigan Planning Commission 
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) is the state-recognized regional planning and development agency serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. As an unbiased expert partner, the SWMPC connects municipalities with the tools and data needed to build strong infrastructure, spur economic development, and preserve natural resources. For more information or to explore local planning resources, visit swmpc.org.

Empowering local leaders to build a healthier Berrien County starts with residents who know their neighborhoods best. Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health have opened applications for the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy—a free 12-week program for residents of Niles, Niles Charter Township, Buchanan, and Buchanan Township. The Academy is designed to build local civic leadership, and residents who have had fewer opportunities to participate in formal leadership roles—including those from underserved and underrepresented neighborhoods are especially encouraged to apply. The program strengthens participants’ skills, confidence, and connections that are essential to community‑driven solutions.

Supported by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund through a grant to United Way of Southwest Michigan, the Academy strengthens community-driven policy and systems change. Through interactive sessions and project-based learning, the Academy helps residents build skills and relationships to turn local priorities into action.

Why the Academy Matters

Accepting Applications: ZIP Codes 49120 and 49107

Interested in making a difference where you live? The Community Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for its second cohort. Residents who are passionate about their community and want to build skills, confidence, and connections to support local solutions are encouraged to apply. The program is free. Participants build practical skills connected to neighborhood well-being, including:

From Learning to Leadership

Who Should Apply

Adults 18+ living in Niles, Niles Charter Township, Buchanan, and Buchanan Township (ZIP codes 49120 and 49107) are eligible to apply. Residents who have had fewer opportunities to participate in community leadership roles are especially encouraged to apply. 

Program Details

• 12 weeks of interactive Wednesday evening sessions
• Location: Niles (details provided to participants)
• Meals provided; childcare stipends available
• Free to participants
• No prior leadership experience is required

Apply: Applications are open through April 1, 2026

Your ideas matter. Your neighborhood matters. Join the Community Leadership Academy and help shape a stronger, more connected Berrien County. Apply at behealthyberrien.org/cla/

Benton Harbor, MI — When neighbors come together to learn, listen, and lead, a community’s future begins to shift. Over the past several months, a group of Benton Harbor residents has been doing just that—meeting after work, asking hard questions, and building the skills needed to act on the issues that matter most to them.

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM community members, partners, and families are invited to gather at the Corewell Center for Wellness for an evening of celebration and connection as Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health marks a major milestone: the graduation of the inaugural Community Leadership Academy cohort.

The Community Leadership Academy is designed to develop everyday leaders and strengthen collaboration across neighborhoods in Berrien County. This first cohort of twelve participants transformed their learning into action through a Community Improvement Project (CIP) that raises awareness and education around youth gun violence—working toward a shared vision of a safer, healthier Benton Harbor where young people can thrive.

The event offers a chance to celebrate these resident leaders, learn from their journey, and see firsthand how community-driven solutions take shape.

Celebration Highlights

• Graduation & Awards Ceremony
  Participants will receive Certificates of Completion in recognition of their leadership journey.
• Community Leaders & Partners
  Local leaders and organizations will be on hand to connect, support, and build ongoing community capacity.
• Cohort Presentation
  Graduates share their story, what they learned, how they grew, and the vision behind their Community Improvement Project.
• Interactive Stations
  Hands-on exhibits that walk attendees through the project’s process, root causes, and next steps for community impact.

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Voices from the Academy

“This experience gave me the tools and skills to make a real difference. We’re not just talking about change; we’re creating it together,” said Cori Burton, Community Leadership Academy participant.

“The Community Leadership Academy is more than a program; it’s an investment in people. These graduates are helping shape the future of Benton Harbor,” said Dr. LaToya Mason, steering committee member and Dean of Health Sciences at Lake Michigan College.

Why This Matters

Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund through a grant to United Way of Southwest Michigan, the Community Leadership Academy ensures that change starts from within the community by equipping residents with the tools, skills, and connections to lead solutions for community well-being.

The momentum continues. With a planned 2026 launch in the cities of Niles and Buchanan, the Community Leadership Academy is laying the groundwork to expand this resident-led model across Berrien County.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Corewell Center for Wellness, 133 W. Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

This event is free and open to the public. Media, community members, families, and partners are encouraged to attend and celebrate the power of local leadership.

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Funding Strengthens Local Systems That Make Healthy Living Easier

Saint Joseph, MI — Across Berrien County, residents are finding new ways to live healthier— walking connected trails, shopping at local farmers markets, and participating in programs that strengthen neighborhoods. By improving walkability, expanding food access, and responding to residents’ needs— these community-driven efforts show how everyday life can flourish when health becomes a shared priority. A $55,000 award from community partner, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals to United Way of Southwest Michigan helps strengthen the systems that make these opportunities possible.

The Be Healthy Berrien initiative serves as a catalyst for change, making nutritious eating and daily physical activity more attainable. Guided by Corewell Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment, the initiative focuses on underserved areas, improving food access and creating environments that support active, healthier, and more connected communities across Berrien County.

How the Work Moves Forward

Be Healthy Berrien doesn’t work alone. Every success is powered by community partnerships, local organizations, health systems, businesses, and residents who share a vision for a healthier county. Together, partners strengthen food systems, connect trails, and enhance systems that make healthy living more accessible.

These improvements are designed to last. By pooling resources, expertise, and community insight, the initiative builds system changes and environmental improvements into the places where people learn, gather, and thrive.

Investing in Health at the Community Level

Corewell Health’s mission to improve health, instill humanity, and inspire hope, guides this award. Because health begins in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, this investment helps create conditions where fewer people face preventable health challenges.

“Health is shaped by the environments where we live, work, and play,” said Natalie Baggio, president of Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals. “Through this work, strengthening care, advancing wellness, and creating a healthier future for Southwest Michigan—our investment reflects a commitment to improving access to nutritious food and spaces for physical activity.”

“This support helps us deepen our impact,” said Dawn Marie Smith, Director of Be Healthy Berrien. “Together with community partners and residents, we can create healthier environments that make it easier for people to live well every day.”

Change in Action

• Community Leadership Academy: Supporting residents to lead health-focused neighborhood improvements.
• Trail Connectivity Projects: Creating safe, connected routes for walking and biking.
• Farm Hub Feasibility Study: Exploring a year-round retail hub to expand food access, support local farms, and integrate Food as Medicine strategies.
• Benton Harbor Farmers Market: Enhancing access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and local growers.
• Healthy Corner Stores: Bringing fresh produce into neighborhoods where it’s needed most.

Want to be part of the change? Explore local trails and support local growers, your health and your community thrive together. Learn more at behealthyberrien.org.

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The Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation in partnership with Be Healthy Berrien launched the Savor Collective, an incubator program developed to support local food entrepreneurs and farmers. Supported by a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the New Ventures Fund, sustainable cities initiative project. The program focused on helping socially disadvantaged businesses by offering technical support and resources.

The 16-week program engaged six participants representing a range of business models. A structured curriculum, led by subject matter experts with real-world experience, covered product development, finance, marketing, operations, regulatory compliance, and facilities management. The teachings were designed to reflect and resonate with the Benton Harbor community.

Participants accessed certified kitchen facilities, business development classes, and networking opportunities, all designed to help scale their operations. They also used program resource funds to work with a local branding expert, investing in strategies to elevate their brand presence, a move that reflected the community-centered values of the Savor Collective.

Zina Murray, owner of Logan Square Kitchen, served as the lead instructor and coach, sharing insights into local food systems and supporting participants through every stage of growth. 

The program helped entrepreneurs avoid the high costs and risks of jumping directly from cottage food production to owning or renting private commercial space by offering shared kitchen access and hands-on business support.

Key outcomes of the program included:

• Capacity Building: Participants leveraged shared kitchen resources to expand production and explore new offerings.
• Skills Development: Training covered food safety, packaging, finance, compliance, and marketing strategies.
• Brand & Identity Growth: Partnerships with local experts helped participants define and grow their businesses’ visibility.
• Strategic Planning: Minority-owned businesses left the program with tools to strengthen their long-term viability.

This initiative has fostered growth, collaboration, and resilience within Benton Harbor’s food business community.

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Since kicking off on June 18th, the Benton Harbor Farmers Market has once again proven to be a beloved summer tradition and a vital resource for the community. Running through September 24th, the market quickly built momentum, drawing nearly 600 visitors on its second day alone, a true testament to its role as a gathering place for fresh food, creative crafts, and meaningful connections.

New Vendors & More Variety This year’s market is brimming with fresh energy. The 2025 season introduces a lineup of new artisan vendors and pop-up stalls, adding exciting layers to the market’s already rich offerings. Alongside vibrant produce and homemade baked goods, community organizations such as Corewell Health, the Boys and Girls Club, and Great Start Collaborative are also on hand, providing valuable resources and engaging activities.

Committed to Community Wellness Supported by grants from United Way of Southwest Michigan/Be Healthy Berrien, and the American Electric Power Foundation, and managed by the Berrien County Health Department, the market is driven by a clear mission: to improve access to fresh, nutritious food for all Benton Harbor residents especially those in neighborhoods where healthy options are limited. 

Supporting Local, Growing Together The market proudly champions local growers and small businesses, helping boost the regional economy while strengthening the social fabric of Benton Harbor. Each purchase is not just a transaction; it’s an investment in the heartbeat of the community.

Making Healthy Choices Accessible To ensure everyone can enjoy the market’s benefits, several food assistance programs are accepted, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, and Senior Project FRESH. This inclusive approach ensures that every household has a seat at the table and that fresh, nutritious food is within reach for all.

Want to Become a Vendor? Interested in joining this vibrant community of makers and growers? The Berrien County Health Department website offers all the details including applications, requirements, and payment options for prospective vendors ready to bring their goods to the market.