MT. CLEMENS

Macomb County commissioners have approved an initiative designed to help county residents access reliable sources of healthy food.

Commissioner Toni Moceri said the initiative, approved during Thursday’s board meeting, is needed because of a fourfold increase in the number of people on food assistance in the county over the past 10 years. In 2009, 115,081 residents were receiving some type of food assistance, according to information provided by commissioners.

The initiative would, among other things, promote the acceptance of Bridge Cards at local farmers markets, advocate for stores to provide locally grown produce and raise awareness about the Macomb Food Program, which seeks to provide food to hungry residents, and the pantries the program supports.

STERLING HEIGHTS

Election workers sought for Feb. 28 primary

The city is looking for election workers for the Feb. 28 presidential primary.

Workers are paid $135 for a 6 a.m.-10 p.m. shift. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, 40555 Utica Road.

For more information, call 586-446-2420 during business hours.

ROSEVILLE

Shelter gets $5,000 grant for medical needs

The Detroit-based Metro Health Foundation has given a $5,000 grant to the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team to provide medical equipment from insulin syringes to emergency dental care for homeless people staying at the shelter.

MCREST houses homeless people in a series of rotating spaces, including churches. They feed and provide case management services to help their clientele find more stable housing. Most of their clientele either is uninsured or underinsured. About 50% are families, and about 40% have jobs but cannot find or keep stable housing.

The Metro Health Foundation gives grants to various organizations in Michigan to provide health care.

MT. CLEMENS

Volunteers needed for medical reserve corps

The Macomb County Health Department Medical Reserve Corps is looking for volunteers to assist county efforts in the event of a public health emergency, disaster, terrorist attack or disease outbreak.

A medical background is not necessary, but medical professionals are also needed. Those who speak a second language or have knowledge of graphic design, security and data management are desired. College students, retirees and unemployed people also are encouraged to volunteer.

For information, call 586-469-2543 or go to http://macombcountymi.gov/publichealth/EPP/YouCanHelp.htm .