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 […]
Food, and local food especially, is all about the spirit of togetherness. Here at Taste the Local Difference, we’ve got a community built around local food — whether that is with farmers, market managers, chefs or store owners — and now there is one for you, the local food lover! Our Local Food Club allows […]
Here in Michigan, we often find ourselves celebrating every exciting sign of the return of Spring. A ray of sunshine, waking up to birdsong, a hint of green underneath the melting snow all start to show signs of life after a long, cold and quiet Winter. But surely the most exciting sign of Spring is […]
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 […]
Sourdough bread baking was one of the earliest fads of the COVID-19 pandemic. Folks scrambled for starters and sold grocery stores out of flour and yeast. For some it was a passing fancy, but for others it sparked a new passion! Are you still baking bread? If you are, Challenger Breadware is an amazing resource […]
Michigan companies make it easy to celebrate National Nutrition Month. Here are our suggestions for keeping a healthy lifestyle while choosing local! Make your smoothie routine as smooth as possible with Purple Beet As Purple Beet’s most popular flavor, the Blueberry + Hemp smoothie pack combines cherries and blueberries with the plant powered protein from […]
Stumped on what to give your Valentine this Sunday? Need inspiration for a romantic gift for an upcoming birthday celebration? Check out our local sources for great gift stops: For the partner who loves to snack: Head to North Country Candy and Gifts and sign your special someone up for a subscription for candy corn […]
A quick who’s who for who’s making local food look good: these Michigan potters are making mugs that will make your local coffee taste even better, and practical dinnerware that goes seamlessly with a CSA-inspired dinner. In Northwest Michigan: Laura Brown of Lou Pottery in Leelanau County is making colanders that are perfect for summertime […]
Caring for your body is crucial year-round, but it’s especially important during the winter months. This time of year can take a toll on our bodies. Eating healthy can feel more difficult, getting outside to move when it’s dark and cold can feel challenging, and cold and dryness can irritate your skin. But maintaining wellness […]