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A working writer since 1992, Estelle Slootmaker currently works as a book editor, solutions journalist, Issue Media Group series editor, and children's book author. She released her new children’s book, Places Where The Sun Don’t Shine in August 2025.

An unashamed tree-hugger, Estelle chairs The Tree Amigos, City of Wyoming Tree Commission. She has five adult children and six grandchildren. Estelle and her hubby—artist and guitarist Eddie Killowatts—love dancing to new wave, kayaking, going to book and record stores, growing and cooking healthy food, and hanging out with their terrible terriers, Bindipaws Bowie McCrykie and Skipper D. Doodog.

Estelle's Latest Articles

Third-grade students at Neinas Dual Language Learning Academy in Detroit trying a yummy fruity roll-up tasting.
Detroit Public Schools Community District Farm-to-School initiatives grow through SNAP-Ed

The DPSCD Farm-to-School initiative increases the amounts of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and legumes used in school breakfasts and lunches.

Participants enjoy BMCC's 13 Moons of Anishinaabe programming.
Bay Mills Community College SNAP-Ed programs inspire healthy living

Bay Mills Community College is working with the Bay Mills Indian Community to leverage Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education programming to create environments that inspire healthy living.

Children enjoy a StoryWalk®.
Dearborn nonprofit forges relationships to inspire healthy living

Dearborn-based Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities has honed the art of bringing community residents and organizations together while ensuring that the unique perspectives of Arab Americans, refugees, and immigrants have a seat at the table during the decision-making processes.

A farm stand at Butzel Family Recreation Center in Detroit, sponsored by Henry Ford Health, Come Play Detroit, and Eastern Market.
Henry Ford Health SNAP-Ed collaborations creating healthy change

From creating free farm stands in Detroit to promoting healthier drinking water in the Jackson area, the Henry Ford Health initiative Generation with Promise is supporting healthier families and communities across Michigan.

A father selects fresh-picked radishes at a local farm stand.
Creating sustainable, local food systems through food policy councils

This article is the second in a two-part series about food policy councils and how SNAP-Ed can help to inform that work. 

Families enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farm stand.
The intersection of communities, educators, and food policy councils for just, healthy food systems

A food policy council can influence, improve, or remove barriers in the food system that cause disparities, inequities, poor nutrition, or economic hardships. 

Pontiac nonprofits find strength through collaboration to boost youth literacy and empower parents

"In our community, we have a lot of great programs," says Eisha Branner, founder and CEO of E-Community Outreach Services in Pontiac. "We have a lot of great resources. But we also have a disconnect, especially in the last few years with COVID-19," she says. "There was nowhere near enough support for our families."

Jake Williams, Gleaners Community Food Bank nutrition education manager, and Bridget Brown, director for Gleaners' Food Secure Livingston program, at Shared Harvest Pantry in Howell.
SNAP-Ed inspires healthy eating in Southeast Michigan food pantries

Gleaners Community Food Bank is working to bolster nutrition security by actively sourcing a variety of fruits and vegetables for food pantries, and by providing nutrition education information for pantry guests. 

Children in the Three Sisters Garden in Buckley.
SNAP-Ed programs grow change in Michigan’s northwestern rural communities

Covering five northern Michigan counties, Northwest Education Services (NES) nutrition educators use a community-based approach that recognizes the unique strengths and challenges of each community they serve.

Signage promoting physical activity in Baldwin.
District Health Department #10 builds healthier communities in 10 Michigan counties

DHD#10 uses a variety of evidence-based programs and approaches to create a broader culture of health through their policies, systems, and environmental change work. 

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