Picture above: Ethan Schmitt, Volunteer and Communications Manager at Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC)
Building a Healthier, Happier Neighborhood: Allen Neighborhood Center
McLaren Health Plan recently caught up with Ethan Schmitt, Volunteer and Communications Manager at Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC). ANC is a nonprofit center rooted in Lansing’s east side with one big goal: to build a healthier neighborhood by supporting people through food, housing and health care. But at its heart, ANC is about something even bigger—community.
Social Drivers of Health at the Core
For ANC, social drivers of health (SDOH) aren’t buzzwords—they’re the foundation of everything they do. From access to good food and health care, to safe places to live and gather, their work focuses on creating a neighborhood where people can truly thrive.
Programs That Make a Difference
ANC brings SDOH to life through a wide range of creative, community-centered programs:
- Hunter Park GardenHouse – Once a landfill, now a vibrant park with a walking track, playground, pool, pavilion and urban farm. It’s a place for healthy food, safe exercise, and neighbors to connect.
- Veggie Box Program – Affordable produce boxes that support local farmers and accept SNAP and subsidies so everyone can participate.
- Allen Farmers Market – Created in a former food desert and the first in the area to accept food assistance benefits.
- Breadbasket Food Pantry – A produce-focused pantry offering free food to neighbors.
- Outreach & Engagement Events – From block parties to holiday celebrations, ANC creates spaces where people can come together and build relationships.
Inside the ANC building, neighbors can also find a health clinic, pharmacy and grocery store, all in one place—making access to care and healthy food easier than ever.
The Biggest Challenge: Access
According to Ethan, one of the largest barriers in Lansing is simply getting where you need to go. “Busy roads, limited transportation, and food deserts can leave people feeling isolated—especially if they don’t have a car,” said Ethan. “Add in low incomes, and many families are forced to make tough choices between housing, food and health care.”
How Partners Like McLaren Health Plan Help
McLaren Health Plan recognizes that agencies like ANC are the true experts of serving their communities. From funding programs to providing onsite support, we can work together to remove real-life barriers across nutrition, access to care, and more. By acknowledging SDOH and finding ways to collaboratively make them better, we can help connect people to local resources and improve the health of our community: one partnership at a time.
Staying Connected and Current
ANC stays informed through strong partnerships with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan State University and—most importantly—the people who live in the neighborhood. “Lived experience is just as valuable as research,” said Ethan.
A Block Built on Community
The ANC block is more than a building—it’s a gathering place. You’ll see people shopping, living, cooking, learning and celebrating together. It’s a space designed for connection, collaboration and joy.
And the Best Part? It’s Fun.
Addressing social drivers of health shouldn’t feel heavy. At ANC, it looks like block parties, friendly neighbors and a place where everyone feels welcome. The kindness and inclusion here make even the toughest challenges feel possible to overcome.
As Ethan shared, “There’s no substitute for a good culture and good people.” That’s what fills him up—and what makes Allen Neighborhood Center such a special place to call home.
Learn more:
Visit www.allenneighborhoodcenter.org, follow along on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for the weekly newsletter to stay connected.
For more information about McLaren Health Plan, visit www.mclarenhealthplan.org.