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, […]
Dear Chefs, Cooks, Front and Back of House and all Hospitality Workers… This is for you. You’ve always been creative. We’ve seen it and admired it for years. From the flavors on the plate to making the most out of your kitchen food scraps, you’re always thinking outside of the box. This year, however, required […]
All around Metro Detroit, one could stumble upon a pop-up any day of the week. Pop-ups are a great option for consumers wanting to try something new, and also provides an opportunity for a chef to grow their customer base and test menu items. Many upcoming restaurateurs and chefs host pop-ups at local venues, bars, […]
Due to the global pandemic, Michigan’s statewide food insecurity rate is predicted to increase from 13.6% to 21% by the end of the year.1 Food pantries and emergency food sites are feeling the impact of this increased need. Food Gatherers, a Washtenaw county hunger relief agency, has reported a 30-300% increase in people seeking assistance […]
Male’s Grocery is located in the old North Branch House which is celebrating its 150 year anniversary. Established in 1870 by William Faught, the North Branch House is one of the oldest buildings in Alpena, and got its name because it was located on the North Branch of the Thunder Bay River. Travelers also referred to it as the Ten Mile House […]
Picture a banana. Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Yellow, green, maybe a beautiful ripe brown, ready to be flambeed, or maybe you’re even picturing it in a sundae? Here’s something crazy about that banana: we are all likely picturing the exact same kind. The banana of the US market, namely the Cavendish, […]
“Food is not just fuel. Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well.” -Michael Pollan Now, more than ever, the choices we make are critical to ensuring not only our own personal health and well-being, but that of those around us. […]
Imagine for a moment, a fresh Taste the Local Difference Local Food Coordinator, newly tasked with making new connections in their region to locally grown and produced foods. It’s a simple concept, sure, but take my region for example, the Upper Peninsula, over 16,000 square miles, dotted with numerous communities all accessing food in different […]
During times of uncertainty, I find peace and comfort in drilling down to what I can control and do in my personal life. As someone privileged to currently have a job, one area I’m focusing on is my food purchases. There is an abundance of local food in our state and ever growing list of […]
Local food businesses are among the hardest hit by the outbreak of COVID-19. With bars and restaurants banned from dine-in services, many are adapting as fast as possible. Some are food businesses are switching to curbside or delivery options, and farms are upgrading their online ordering systems. Even non-food businesses, like yoga studios and libraries, […]