Voices for Recovery FAQ

Food access was selected based on findings from Munson Healthcare’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), which identified economic security—including access to nutritious food—as a top priority. Food insecurity affects physical and mental health, and addressing it is central to Munson’s mission as a nonprofit health system.

Submissions will be accepted online only. Pieces should be photographed and uploaded, along with a completed form. Please follow the below recommendations:

• Photograph artwork in a well-lit space
• Place artwork in front of a neutral background if possible
• Get close, but leave space around the edge of the artwork in the photo frame

View this page for more tips on getting a good shot.

• One piece of original art per artist
• All mediums welcome: painting, photography, fiber, clay, written word, song, etc.
• Musical pieces must be limited to 60 seconds

Yes! The first 75 submissions will receive a $50 digital gift card valid at Michigan grocery stores for fresh, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables. These cards are intended to help participants try a new healthy recipe, stretch their grocery budget, or pass the card along to someone in need.

In addition, the top winner in each age category will receive the opportunity to direct a $1,000 donation from Munson Healthcare to a local food access organization of their choice (some parameters apply).

Gift cards will be delivered via email after the digital exhibition concludes in February.

• Must be a non-profit organization in good standing and in operation for at least 2 years.
• Organizational mission must be focused on expanding food access (e.g., food pantry, food rescue, backpack program, etc.).
• Must be located within the Munson Healthcare service area: Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, Grand Traverse, Missaukee, Kalkaska, Crawford, Roscommon, or Otsego counties.
• Organization must be willing to participate in Voices and food access storytelling efforts, which may include a testimonial, photo, and signed consent form to use via Munson channels.
• Munson Healthcare reserves the right to reject a requested organization in its sole discretion. In such a situation, Munson will work in good faith with the winner to identify a substitute organization.” 

Your art will be available online starting February 18 on the Gallery page of the website. Select pieces may also be displayed at local events and locations. You can opt for in-person display when submitting your artwork.

You can share the gallery via social media, email, or text. We encourage everyone to explore the submissions and learn how food access impacts our communities.

Yes. You may choose to have your work displayed under the name “Anonymous.” We will still need your contact information to process your submission and deliver your gift card.

Absolutely! You can:

• View and vote on artwork in the digital gallery
• Take the Voices for Food Access pledge
• Explore the resource list for food support or ways to contribute
• Share the campaign on social media  
• Attend the Empty Bowls event or support another local food organization