Throughout our years of working with small farm businesses in Michigan, we’ve learned that people who grow food are also community builders. Farming as a profession may seem a solitary choice, with spending so much time alone in the fields, but the reality is that this important work of stewarding farmland and feeding one’s neighbors is highly connected.
This is why we feel so grateful to be a part of the work of our impact partners, which uplift the local food economy and support the dreams of small business owners. Recently, we’ve been inspired by our partnership with Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities and their recent microgrants issued throughout Michigan, with funding graciously provided by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Distributed to both small farm businesses and community sites such as schools, senior centers, and hunger relief organizations, these Building Resilient Communities grants aim to help develop access to local, healthy foods and foster nutrition education.
We’re proud to provide technical support alongside the infrastructure improvements aided by these microgrants to several Michigan farms. Here are some of the cool projects we’re excited to work on:
- At Good Stead Farm in Hope, farm employees will soon be empowered with tools to understand food assistance dollars. Their funds will create clear signage on their storefront about their alternative payment options for their fresh, local produce.
- Solidago Acres of Ossineke raises farm-fresh eggs and aims to encourage eaters to raise chickens for eggs as locally as one’s backyard.
- Sustainability-focused Rutherford Farm in Alpena is using its funds to aid agritourism efforts, where visitors will learn about responsible eating and land management.
At Taste the Local Difference, working with small farms and food businesses that do important (and really cool!) work is our daily joy. You can learn more about our work with impact partners here!