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, […]
The Western Upper Peninsula is known for its beauty and remoteness. It’s there where you can see the Porcupine Mountains, the Keweenaw Peninsula, miles of beautiful, tree-lined roads and stunning views of the water. But did you know that the Western U.P. also offers a plethora of unique opportunities to find local food? Whether you’re […]
Like numerous other Michiganders, David Gough grew up with fond memories of visiting the Upper Peninsula as a kid. Every year, he found himself in this magical place where life seemed a little slower and a little more beautiful –he knew that’s where he wanted to end up. When a job opportunity arose that would […]
M-211 Mercantile Co. is just south of Onaway State Park at the Allis Hwy and 4-Mile corner. This delightful little purple shop houses a gourmet bakery, specialty beer & wine, and a unique art stop. Owner Julie Schaedig wasn’t certain what to expect when she and her husband, Kenneth, bought the retail store seven years […]
The fall colors are getting better each day in West MI. Grand Rapids, a.k.a. Beer City, is full of great Oktoberfest beers right now, as well as morning brews at local coffee shops. To celebrate all that GR has to offer, Local First, an area non-profit, is hosting Fork Fest this month! Normally an in […]
The oldest and most visited farmers market in Detroit, Eastern Market, has been one of the cornerstones of the city for over 125 years. Providing guests with not only fresh fruits and vegetables from all over Michigan and beyond, Eastern Market offers a unique combination of local vendors, bakers, products, and artists. Personal favorites include: […]
There is more to mushrooms than your average portobello! Each week, the owner of Mycophile’s Garden, Chris Swinson, fills his table with a rainbow of fungi at the Fulton St Farmers Market in Grand Rapids. All of the delicious mushrooms were either cultivated by Swinson, other local mushroom growers like Bankson Lake Farm, or foraged […]
As the global COVID-19 pandemic wears on, farms and businesses are continuing to adapt. One exciting facet of these adaptations are new collaborations between farms, restaurants, and other businesses all working to support themselves–and one another. In southeast Michigan, these new collaborations are taking many forms.
The time is now or never to preserve your favorite flavors of local summer produce. While I am certainly not ready for a cold freeze just yet, I am all about freezing up summer bounty, particularly all the tomatoes and berries, to enjoy throughout the winter months. Freezing is just about the simplest thing you […]
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 […]