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The logo for Brattleboro, Vermont’s “Everyone Eats” program, the model Consumers Energy is hoping to replicate in Jackson.

(December 3, 2020 11:42 AM) Consumers Energy is spearheading a new initiative to help local restaurants,  businesses, and residents affected by the pandemic.  Consumers Energy is working with local business leaders to launch a program to purchase meals from restaurants and distribute them to the public.  The company hopes to model the effort after “Everyone Eats!” in Brattleboro, Vermont.  The program uses a combination of grant monies and donations from the business community to buy to-go meals from local restaurants for anyone in Brattleboro and a group of southern Vermont communities.  Over 40,000 meals have been distributed since August 3rd.  The program currently serves 850 meals per day, purchased from 13 local restaurants.

“We learned about the example set in Vermont and shared it with Jackson business leaders, hoping we can develop a similar effort here to help our local restaurants and employees,” said Brian Wheeler, Senior Public Information Director at Consumers Energy. “We are actively looking at how much Consumers Energy can contribute and are connecting with other possible sponsors. We hope we can get this effort off the ground this month.”

Restaurants in Michigan are currently in their second shutdown of the year and are among Michigan businesses most severely affected by the pandemic.  According to the Independent Restaurant Coalition, over 75% of Michigan’s 16,543 eating and drinking locations are in danger of closing in 2020.  The Coalition says nearly 65% of the revenue from local independent restaurants recirculates in the local economy. Restaurants and drinking places account for 7.7% of all employment in Michigan, with one million of those workers being single mothers. 

In an effort to help small businesses, their employees, and their vendors, as well as feed our less fortunate citizens, Consumers Energy is looking to launch a program to purchase meals from local restaurants and distribute them to the public. Consumers Energy is asking you to join in this effort.

A firm goal has not yet been established, but the Enterprise Group of Jackson provided an example of how the program would work with $480,000 raised.

Over a 12 week period, 4,000 meals per week would be purchased from local restaurants.  If 8 restaurants participated, each establishment would see $40,000 per week in revenue from the initiative.  In a 12 week period, $480,000 will provide 48,000 meals to the needy, support small businesses, keep our friends and neighbors employed, contribute approximately $160,000 to local food suppliers, and ultimately provide $1.20-$1.40 returned back to our local economy.

Tim Rogers, President and CEO of the Enterprise Group said, “The past year has been challenging, especially for small business. The EG has worked diligently with many of our community partners to find ways to support our business community over the past 10 months.  This effort led,  by Consumers Energy,  is yet another example of how the Jackson community steps up in times of need. The EG is proud to play a role in the effort.”

The Enterprise Group’s Foundation, the  Community Ventures Corp, will serve as the fiduciary agent for the collection and disbursement of the funds needed to make this a reality. The CVC is a 501c3 foundation which may give contributors to this effort some tax benefits. 

Mindy Bradish-Orta, Consumers Energy’s Community Affair Manager for the Jackson region is encouraging others to support the initiative.  Bradish-Orta says corporate support, supplying packaging and carry-out supplies and distribution assistance are all needed.  “We want to pilot this program in Jackson and then encourage other communities and corporations to roll it out in their neighborhoods,” said Bradish-Orta.

In Vermont, “Everyone Eats” began a statewide expansion this fall.  There are 90 Vermont restaurants and over 60 Vermont-based farms signed on to the program, with more being added weekly.

Consumers Energy and the EG are currently seeking donors and volunteers.  If we are able to secure additional funds, then the more we can support our restaurants, their employees, the community and our neighbors,” said Bradish-Orta.  “If you can help, please email me at Mindy.BradishOrta@CMSEnergy.com.”

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