April 18, 2019

Michigan Tech Students Conduct Food Assessment

I’ll admit, I have a lot to learn about the Western Upper Penisula’s local food system. My connections there have been growing and I’ve met a lot of…

March 21, 2019

What does local mean to you?

On Saturday, March 16th, I presented My Local Food Relationship at Northern Michigan University’s TEDx. (Editor’s note: link to video is coming soon!)

March 15, 2019

An Eater’s Guide to Hydroponics

What the heck is hydroponics? If this sounds like Greek to you, it is. “Hydroponic” is Greek for “water-cultivation,” and that sums it up well: hydroponics is growing…

January 29, 2019

Slow Traditions

For me, food has always been a source of connection, a tool to communicate love, and a way to pass on family traditions. Some of my most vivid…

December 18, 2018

The Huron Shores Local Food Coalition Envisions a Return to a Northeast Regional Food System

Being the second most diverse agricultural producer in the nation, Michigan has no shortage of specialty crops. In fact, lake effect microclimates are generally the most ideal for…

November 25, 2018

Collaboration Builds a Stronger Food System

What do you think of when you hear the word “co-op”? Most people will likely envision a small health food store or perhaps their local credit union. However,…

November 25, 2018

Who is Michigan Farmers Union?

Michigan Farmers Union is a grassroots organization that works to protect the social and economic well-being of family farmers throughout the Great Lakes State. Our members are our…

October 8, 2018

 Building the Market for Local Flowers: The Michigan Flower Growers’ Cooperative

It’s a Wednesday morning at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace and the room is fragrant with fresh, cut flowers overflowing in buckets. There’s dahlias from Luella Acres, zinnias from…

October 3, 2018

NFU Fall Legislative Fly-in and the Farm Bill

The National Farmers Union (NFU) was founded over 110 years ago and advocates for grassroots policy change that supports the welfare of family farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and consumers.…

July 7, 2018

There’s a New Chef in Town

Michael Timmins was initiated into the world of food at a young age. His parents owned three bakeries in metro Detroit.  And since that time, although Timmins has…