The Michigan Budget Just Lost 10 Cents
Michigan’s 2026 budget keeps universal free school meals but cuts the 10 Cents a Meal program, which connected schools with Michigan-grown produce. Groundwork Center’s Jen Schaap shares how this small investment made a big impact on kids, farms, and communities—and how advocates can take action to restore it.
The Ypsi SNAP Gap Steps In
When federal food assistance is delayed, Ypsilanti’s local food community steps up. The Ypsi SNAP Gap program, led by Growing Hope and the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets, provides $40 in market tokens each week for Bridge Card users, ensuring southeast Michigan residents can access fresh, local food through March 2026.
How Michigan Farmers Are Going Organic
Confused about what “organic” really means? Michigan’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), hosted by MSU Extension, helps farmers make the switch through mentorship, education, and community support. Learn how this initiative empowers farmers, strengthens local food systems, and makes truly organic produce more accessible across Michigan.
Local Farms Left Behind by USDA Grant Chaos
With federal funding paused or canceled, farmers face financial risk, broken trust, and stalled growth. Contracts that support organic certification mentorship and farm labor support are uncertain, and climate-smart agriculture investments are left to small businesses to figure out. Learn how this impacts Michigan’s Lakeview Hill Farm and Old City Acres, and the local food economy these small farms represent.
ICYMI: Michigan Local Food in 2024
Join us as we celebrate standout moments, articles, recipes, and Michigan local food news in 2024.
Worth the Trip: Local Food Distribution in Northeast Michigan
Northeast Michigan businesses share their local sourcing wins and woes in this 2023 Local Food Guide story.
Battle Creek Food Reimagined Leverages Partnerships to Bring Packaged Foods Entrepreneurship to the Cereal City
Battle Creek Food Reimagined leverages partnerships, including those with MSU-CRFS, to lift up local packaged foods entrepreneurs.
Cultivating Community in Michigan: The 2024 Agritourism Summit
Mark your calendars for the Agritourism Summit in Michigan on May 8 in Traverse City!
Small Businesses, Big Dreams: Michigan Incubator Kitchens
With help from MSU programs, including the Michigan Incubator Kitchen Network, shared-use kitchens are succeeding throughout the state.
UP Meat Processing Sees Progress with Help from Partners
With help from MSU Center for Regional Food Systems and MSU Product Center, the UP is about to see a boom in local proteins.