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Food systems
Ben Fugate, a member of WKKF grantee FoodCorps, wrote an original song called “Grow,” inspired by his food education work in Perry County, Kentucky. Ben was placed with partner organization Northfork Local Food and taught classes at the same elementary school he attended as a child. The schools in Perry County offer free lunch to every child and assistance to families during the summer months to ensure that no child goes hungry. Ben’s song is a reflection of the tight-knit community he grew up in and his connection to the children he taught. The accompanying video highlights the work Northfork Local Food does to increase access to local food for all families in Perry County.
Michigan
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s new Nurture Benefits program will expand access to health, life and retirement benefits for the state’s child care professionals. This is thanks to a $4.4 million investment from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP). The Michigan League for Public Policy, a WKKF grantee, reports that child care workers remain among the lowest-paid in the state, with nearly one in five living in poverty. The program aims to stabilize the child care workforce and improve economic outcomes for both providers and families.
Leadership
At this month’s TIME Impact Leadership events on Martha’s Vineyard, supported by WKKF, foundation leaders helped shape conversations about the future of civic life and community change in a time of uncertainty, joining speakers from organizations like Voto Latino and Leaders We Deserve. La June Montgomery Tabron, WKKF president and CEO, underscored the boldness and hope needed for transformative leadership. Carla Thompson Payton, WKKF chief strategist and impact officer, highlighted the power of youth collaboration in advancing civic engagement. And Felicia DeHaney, WKKF vice president for program strategy, emphasized advocacy and empathy as anchors for community resilience. These events helped foster bold dialogue on how leaders and communities can advance racial equity and community-driven change on the national stage.
New Orleans
Born After the Storm is a youth-produced podcast created by 15 New Orleans high school students who are too young to remember Hurricane Katrina, yet live every day with its lasting effects on their families, schools and neighborhoods. As New Orleans and Mississippi approach the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, these young voices bring fresh perspectives to a defining moment they didn’t witness but still feel. In partnership with Be Loud Studios, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and WWNO public radio, the series shares their stories — sparking meaningful conversations in classrooms and communities across the city.
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