CCJ has been a leader in anti-hunger advocacy in Michigan. It works to expand awareness of and participation in federal programs, such as the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (formerly "food stamps"), school meals, Summer Food Service Program, WIC, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

• In 2000, with support from the Michigan State Bar Foundation, CCJ initiated the "Fill the Basket" program, which helped train over 200 organizations to undertake food stamp eligibility screening.

• In 2001, CCJ received one of the first national Program Access grants from the United States Department of Agriculture to test outreach strategies. The success of a telephone helpline in that study, led to an ongoing partnership with organizations such as the Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Department of Human Services, the Michigan Poverty Law Program, Elder Law of Michigan and the Food Bank Council of Michigan to increase participation in federal food programs and to identify and remove barriers to participation.

• Since CCJ began its statewide food stamp (now called "food assistance") outreach work in 2000, the number of people receiving food stamps has grown by 119%, and is now over 1 million people. According to the most recent data from the USDA, Michigan's food stamp participation rate, especially for working families, is among the highest in the nation.

• CCJ successfully advocated with state policymakers to return the administration of Michigan's Summer Food Service Program to the Michigan Department of Education. Since Michigan resumed administration, the number of children participating in that program has been growing steadily.

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