The episode spotlights NMCAA’s work in early childhood and the collaboration between Head Start and Michigan State University —connecting nutrition, movement, and mindfulness to build healthy, lifelong habits for 3–4 year-olds and their families. Dr. Jiying Ling (MSU College of Nursing) and Shannon Phelps, NMCAA's Child and Family Development Director explain Dr. Ling's program "Food - Body - Mind" is being utilized in the classroom and how it is impacting families at home.

Shannon also discusses food insecurity and how NMCAA is addressing this issue across the region, including a new partnership with with Father Fred bringing food pantries to the locations of the classrooms to streamline community resources so children are healthy and ready to learn.

With food insecurity rising—and a possible SNAP disruption mentioned—the hosts point listeners to local pantry finders and support:

the Manna Food Project’s pantry locator

the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition’s Find Food map

the Wexford–Missaukee Resource Directory’s food page

The national FoodFinder search tool

NMCAA's Food Pantry is located at 7110 E 34 Road, Cadillac, MI

Open on Monday and Tuesday from 10am -1pm

For more information on NMCAA or to donate - check out www.NMCAA.net