Championing food equity

By Anissa Gabbara

Meet the graduates who were supported by donors as students and are now strengthening communities across the state in our new Alumni Impact video series. 

Josiah Foster (AB ’23) believes food is a human right—and this is what fuels his work as development manager at Growing Hope, a nonprofit organization with a mission to foster an equitable and sustainable local food system in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In his role, Josiah creates and cultivates relationships through fundraising and community outreach, to advance Growing Hope’s mission. 

The donor support Josiah received as a student played a meaningful role in his journey. While participating in the Dobson internship (funded by Molly Dobson), part of U‑M’s Development Summer Internship Program (D-SIP), Josiah learned a great deal about development and community service. Today, he serves on the Dobson Committee, which helps D-SIP select meaningful projects, supportive host sites, and interns well suited for the Dobson internships. Josiah hopes to continue making an impact in Ypsilanti and the state of Michigan by empowering people to grow, sell, and buy healthy foods and supporting the local economy. 

“It's just so rewarding that they know that the organization I work for can make a true impact in the local scene,” Josiah said. “It's also rewarding to know that someday that might translate into a bigger scene.”