Last spring, when lockdown measures were in place and trips to the grocery store were fraught, Detroit farm and food businesses stepped in to offer an alternative. “Covid changed everything,” remembers Molly Hubbell, co-owner of Ambassador Fridge farm in Detroit’s North End neighborhood. “There was a real issue with [fresh food] supply in the city. […]
This past year was not easy for business owners. Restaurant owners navigated constant changes in policy and safety updates, farmers rallied for the safety of their employees, markets pivoted to online sales and precautionary measures, and employees everywhere combatted furloughs, mask requirements, and the loss of income from in-person shopping and dining. Black business owners […]
Another big wave of support has made its way to Upper Peninsula value-added food producers! As economic recovery efforts across Michigan gather momentum, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is continuing to find innovative opportunities to collaborate with local partners to bring critical support and growth opportunities to small businesses. The U.P. Food Processing Pitch […]
“Co-ops are for the people, inspired by the people, built and driven by the people,” says Dr. Akua Woolbright, Board President of the Detroit People’s Food Co-op, a lifelong community health educator and a Program Director at the Whole Cities Foundation. Across the country, cooperative grocery stores increase food access and agency in communities. These […]
Chef Cam Stott is using traditional Native foods to remind people that food is medicine and that Native people are still here, through his new project Thirteen Moons Kitchen. He ran Jiibaakwaan Foods catering and personal chef services for two years, until last year, when he realized the community needs to be involved. Later this […]
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, […]
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 […]