Food can be confusing for anyone, but as a mom, it’s even more complicated. I’m constantly attempting to achieve balance between what’s healthiest for my family and what my boys are willing to eat, which changes often. And I don’t always succeed, despite good intentions. My oldest regularly requests mac and cheese, while the toddler rejects almost anything he doesn’t recognize. Meals in our house can be a struggle.
In Michigan, 1,369,250 people are struggling with hunger – and of them, 345,130 are children. In fact, according to the Feeding America network’s 2017 study, people facing hunger in Michigan are estimated to report needing $652,838,000 more per year to meet their food needs.
If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely a local food enthusiast who places value on purchasing from local food businesses within your community. You shop at the farmers market, frequent local retailers, and buy directly from food and beverage producers. You make these choices for many reasons; not the least of which is how local purchasing ensures the businesses you frequent stay in business.
Festival to Take Place August 2-4, 2019
(Livonia, July 1, 2019) – Buy Michigan Now is gearing up to host the 11th Annual Buy Michigan Now Festival in Downtown Northville, August 2-4, which promotes Michigan-based businesses. Limited vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
“We are so excited to once again be celebrating Buy Michigan Week with a great big party in Northville,” said Lisa Diggs, founder of the Buy Michigan Now campaign. “Every year it is a delight to see people come back for their favorites and discover brand new Michigan-made products.”
There has been a lot of discussion in recent years about how climate change in going to impact agriculture. The Midwest has been characterized by increasing average temperatures, earlier springs, and more frequent extreme precipitation events. For farmers, these changes will mean shifting growing seasons, flooded fields, and longer periods of drought.
We are excited to host three great interns this summer! In northern Michigan, we have Emily Lesky as our Community Health Intern and Julia Linder as our Communications and Outreach Intern. In Southeast Michigan, Travertine Garcia is our Community Health Intern. These amazing ladies will help Taste the Local Difference further our mission of educating consumers about the benefits of local food and supporting food and farming entrepreneurs.
Whether the weather makes us feel like it or not, summer is here! And that means more opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy local food with your friends. Here is a sampling of upcoming “foodie” events happening in Southeast Michigan. Hope to see you there!
By 2030, we aspire to live in a community where your zip code no longer determines your opportunity in life. United Way of Washtenaw County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of all people. Our mission is to CONNECT people, resources, and organizations TOGETHER to create a thriving community for EVERYONE.
I’ll admit, I have a lot to learn about the Western Upper Penisula’s local food system. My connections there have been growing and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people. They are the ones clearing a path and leading the way in both research and action.
On Saturday, March 16th, I presented My Local Food Relationship at Northern Michigan University’s TEDx. (Editor’s note: link to video is coming soon!)