Stories

Our success wouldn’t be possible without the work and commitment of our Steering Committee! These partners build the strategies that are leading to healthier communities across Southwest Michigan. Be Healthy Berrien uses a Collective Impact model – meaning that every one of our partners has committed to working together toward our Shared Vision and making changes in their organization to lead the way to healthier communities. United Way of Southwest Michigan has been a Be Healthy Berrien … [Read more...] about Get to know our Steering Committee partners – United Way of Southwest Michigan

Last month we set off on an adventure to Philadelphia to visit The Food Trust, an organization that has pioneered healthy corner store transformations. Be Healthy Berrien, along with our collaborating partners, Grand Rapids YMCA and LiveWell Colorado, were able to learn first hand how The Food Trust healthy corner store model has grown and developed over the years. We visited the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, a huge refrigerated facility bursting with produce options from all around the … [Read more...] about Healthy Corner Store Collaboration in Philadelphia

The Napier Avenue Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan is a community-driven plan to transform Napier Avenue into a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly corridor. The Napier Avenue corridor is an important east-west transportation route in the Benton Harbor - St. Joseph region, providing connectivity from the I-94 expressway into the core cities, providing access to major shopping and medical destinations, and serving a number of neighborhoods and local businesses. While it may function well … [Read more...] about Napier Avenue

The Southwest Michigan Local Food Council is a collective of advocates that takes evidence-based actions toward the development of an equitable regional food system that values local farmers and entrepreneurs. About Us Learn more about how the SWMI Local Food Council began and our team HERE. Upcoming Events View Michigan State University Extension's upcoming events HERE. Council News The Southwest Michigan Local Food Council is currently developing a strategic plan and … [Read more...] about Southwest Local Food Council

Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail The Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail partners are working to create a 34-mile trail connecting Niles, MI to Mishawaka, IN.  The completed trail would be used by commuters, students, families and tourists.  The trail would connect people to: 4 universities and several schools4 downtowns (Niles, Roseland, South Bend and Mishawaka)16 parks and 2 YMCAs5 hospitals or major medical facilitiesSeveral historical and cultural attractionsBusinesses … [Read more...] about Trails

Be Healthy Corner Stores are smaller, neighborhood convenience stores where fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy food options are available. The goal of the Be Healthy Corner Store project is to connect local stores to local produce vendors and bring healthier, fresh food options to neighborhoods that often have limited fresh options. Many convenience stores struggle to find distributors willing to deliver small quantities of fresh produce.  Be Healthy Berrien is working with … [Read more...] about Healthy Corner Stores