Celebrating our Community Partnerships

As a social enterprise, Taste the Local Difference’s consulting and marketing work is deeply rooted in our mission to educate the public about the local food system and support the success of Michigan local food entrepreneurs. 

In addition to working with individual food businesses, we partner with mission aligned organizations who are fostering a stronger, more equitable local food system.

Growing Farm to School in the Western Upper Peninsula

In collaboration with the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, and Michigan Tech University, we are supporting farmers and schools to build the capacity for Farm to School in the Western U.P. 

Check on the project here

Expanding the Reach of Double Up Food Bucks

We partner with Fair Food Network to build awareness about Double Up Food Bucks in Michigan communities and to identify the barriers to, and opportunities for, local sourcing at independent retail grocers.

Learn more about Double Up Food Bucks here

Making (Fresh Food) Connections 

A partnership with MDHHS, our Fresh Food Connections program supports farms and farmers markets in adding e-commerce platforms and accepting SNAP/EBT payments. Currently, this project operates in Baraga, Ingham, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. 

Learn more about the Fresh Food Connections program

Partnerships like these, and our relationships with our local food businesses, are the beating heart of our work. We believe in authentic, mutually beneficial relationships and that we’re all better, and our food system is stronger, if we’re finding ways to collaborate and work together. 

Learn more about our Statewide and Regional partnerships here.

Kelly Wilson is our Director of Community Partners. Contact her at [email protected].