2022 40 Under 40 award recipient: AJ Fossel

2022 40 Under 40 award recipient: AJ Fossel
Alma-Jean "AJ" Fossel. Wardell Frazier. <strong> Courtesy 616 Media </strong>

Alma-Jean (AJ) Fossel, 36

Executive Director

Community Food Club

Along with a team of board members, staff and volunteers, Alma-Jean “AJ” Fossel is leading an innovative response to food insecurity in West Michigan.

Fossel serves as the executive director at Community Food Club, a nonprofit, membership-based grocery store expanding access to food for low-income residents of Kent County.

“Every day I work to cultivate a community where our members feel respected, welcomed and have autonomy in their food choices,” said Fossel, who is the organization’s first executive director.

She also serves as the board president for New Development Corporation among other board positions, and she launched a community Christmas program that sells toys at 10% of their retail value to low-income households.

Reflecting on her career, Fossel said her proudest accomplishment is Community Food Club’s commitment to equity. Through recent efforts, like stocking more culturally appropriate foods, Fossel and her team are working to make the store a welcoming and dignified place.

“I still have a very long way to go and much to learn, but I am proud of what we’ve been able to put in place these last two years,” Fossel said. “I am passionate about making the Food Club a place of dignity and respect for all and this work will continue to be at the forefront.”

For Fossel, the Food Club’s program participants have had the biggest influence on her life.

“They have helped me grow immensely,” she said, “not only in my career but in my personal life as well.”