A Challenge to Support Local

Alex Palzewicz, Farmers Markets, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Local Ingredients

This summer, I was the catering manager for Rock River Farm, a flower farm in the central U.P. They are focusing their efforts on flower production, so they don’t need my services in 2019. After being asked a few times if I’m sad they are done catering, here’s the truth: I’m stoked to see farms find their niche. This said, I will be going back next summer in the same way I got started there: as a volunteer who is in it for the beautiful drive, lack of cell service, the company and inspiration they provide.

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MIFFS Conference: Adding Tools to your Tool Box

Event, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Kelly Wilson, Learn More

Conference season is upon us! With so many food and farming conferences between now and March, it’s often difficult to decide which to attend. If you’re free February 9th, I’d highly recommend attending the Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) 16th annual Michigan Family Farms Conference. This conference provides beginning, small-scale, and culturally diverse farmers a chance to network and learn. At past conferences, I shared conversation with other small-scale farmers, learned new skills from talented presenters, and left energized and motivated for another season of farming.

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Experience Gift Ideas for Hands On Fun this Holiday

Bailey Samp, Eat Local, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Specialty Producers, Traverse City

Looking for the perfect last-minute local gift idea? A cooking class makes a great gift and offers a hands on experience to improve skills in the kitchen, learn something new, and supports local producers throughout northern Michigan. Whether you want to plan a family event or treat your kids to something sweet, these classes offer something for everyone!

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The Huron Shores Local Food Coalition Envisions a Return to a Northeast Regional Food System

Economy, Environment, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Learn More, Molly Stepanski

Being the second most diverse agricultural producer in the nation, Michigan has no shortage of specialty crops. In fact, lake effect microclimates are generally the most ideal for growing cherries, apples, and other stone fruits you’ve seen bolstering the economy of northwest Michigan for decades. However, over the years, young people have relocated from Northeast Michigan, family farms have gone corporate, and jobs have disappeared. The Huron Shores Local Food Coalition wants to bring the community together to overcome the obstacles in place and restore the prosperity to Northeast Michigan.

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Get your Farm Business Growing in 2019 with the Alcona Regional Farm Conference!

Emma Beauchamp, Event, Get Involved

Come on down to the Northeast Michigan Alcona Regional Farm Conference! On January 18-19, this conference will bring together seasoned growers, as well as those starting a new career in agriculture and members of the local food movement of the region. Get your farm business growing for 2019!

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Warehouse Space Available in Saline

Get Involved, Kelly Wilson, Learn More, Southeast Michigan, Specialty Producers

Macon Creek Malt House is looking for a partner business to share their facility in Saline (20 min southwest of Ann Arbor). If you’re ready for a lower risk, affordable opportunity to scale up your food business (and work alongside some great people!), consider this option.

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Adding Local to the School Lunch Menu with 10 Cents A Meal

Eat Local, Economy, Environment, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Kelly Wilson

Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the US and a national leader in the cultivation of apples, asparagus, blueberries, tart cherries, green beans, dry beans, potatoes and squash. Despite our rich produce production, most Michiganders still do not meet the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables and 32% of our children are overweight or obese.

Fruit and vegetables are the cornerstone of good health and lifelong health patterns are often established in childhood. Exposure to healthy habits at an early age can encourage long term health. One of the best places for this positive exposure to occur is in the school setting. Fortunately, a statewide pilot program, 10 Cents a Meal for School Kids & Farms, is supporting schools in infusing more fresh, Michigan grown produce into their menus.

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6 Winter Conferences Every Michigan Farmer Should Consider Attending

Emma Beauchamp, Event, Get Involved, Learn More

With the snow beginning to fly, it’s the perfect time to attend farm and business conferences to prepare for 2019. These six meetings and conferences are great ways to network with fellow farmers and get excited for the next growing season.

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Young Professionals of the Upper Peninsula

Alex Palzewicz, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Stories

Where are the young people? It’s a question I have been asked a lot this past year as Upper Peninsula Local Food Coordinator for Taste the Local Difference.

To get answers, I turned to an organization called 40 Below in Marquette County. The group was created in 2010 as a way for professionals under the age of 40 to come together through networking and professional development opportunities. The group hosts fun events, puts on conferences and encourages young adults to volunteer in the community.

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Terra Madre : Where the Joy and Justice of Food Meets

Environment, Find Local Food, Get Involved, Guest Post, Learn More, Shiloh Maples

Every other year, in late September, the northwestern Piedmont region of Italy transforms into the town square for the global Slow Food movement’s gathering, Terra Madre. In the bustling city of Turin, thousands gather to share their passion for good, clean, and fair food—slow food.

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