The past year has seen its fair share of new online ordering systems and doorstep delivery services in and outside of the local food system. Very few of these tools, however, combine an exclusive focus on local food with the ease of online ordering and the convenience of delivery. The exception is Market Wagon– an […]
Started in 1972 in Washington, the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program is an international movement that trains passionate volunteers to engage with horticultural projects in their communities. EMGs communicate science-based gardening information to the general public through their volunteer activities. The program originated and is managed primarily at land-grant institutions across the nation. In Michigan, […]
Groundswell Community Farm in Zeeland is planting a new seed in the West Michigan farming community. BruceMichael Wilson is a Black and Native farmer who took over Groundswell Farm from its previous owners in July 2019 and started a mid-season CSA. Even though his first full season occurred with the onslaught of the pandemic in […]
No GMOs, no pesticides, no synthetic fertilizers and a strong commitment to the natural world. Does this sound like your farm? Then you could be eligible to become Certified Naturally Grown (CNG). This certification is specifically designed for farmers who grow food for their local communities by working in harmony with nature, and covers produce, […]
We are excited to announce that Taste the Local Difference has partnered with the Upper Peninsula Small Business and Development Center (SBDC) to offer 20 U.P. food and farming businesses online sales and marketing support! Upper Peninsula small businesses, like the rest of the state, have been thrown a lot of curveballs, to put it […]
Are you interested in starting your own farm one day, but looking for a little more experience and mentorship first? The Michigan State University Farm Business Incubator could be for you! Located at the MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center in beautiful Chatham, this program provides access to organically managed land, hoop house space, […]
South East Market is a force of radical change in Grand Rapids during this tumultuous year. The new grocery store is located in the South East neighborhood of Grand Rapids, a historically underserved area where 1 in 8 people experience food insecurity. The market combats food insecurity in their community while sourcing primarily from farms […]
“Food sovereignty is the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. It puts the aspirations and needs of those who produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies rather than […]
Beets deserve the spotlight for their funky exterior and sweet flavor alone, but add to that their superfood level nutrition, versatility in the kitchen and hearty growing characteristics and it’s easy to see that they’re a truly incredible vegetable. Past enjoying them in the kitchen, you can also use for dying fabrics and for Valentine’s […]
Close to the St. Clair river and spotted with idyllic campsites, the Dancing Meadows Homestead began when Martin and Melodee Beals left corporate life in favor of bringing fresh, affordable food to the people of Southeast Michigan. Now, they run a pesticide, synthetic chemical and GMO free farm, which is reaching their community with a […]