This story was originally printed in the ‘2022 Local Food Guide for Michigan’
“I love that the North Kent Connect Farm Stand makes healthy food both accessible and affordable. It’s a natural fit with their mission of moving people forward.”
Ben Taylor, A North Kent Connect (NKC) Board Member.
North Kent Connect of Rockford is dedicated to improving the lives of residents by providing basic needs and promoting economic independence. One core tenet of their work is the belief that all residents of northern Kent County have the right to access healthy and affordable Good Food. According to the Michigan Good Food Charter, Good Food is defined as food that is healthy, green, fair, and affordable. Through a bountiful, 700 square foot Farm Stand that utilizes a tiered pricing system, NKC exemplifies this commitment to supporting local, sustainable, just, and equitable food programs.
In addition to accepting cash, credit, MI Bridge Cards, Double Up Food Bucks, and Project Fresh coupons, the Farm Stand lists two prices, discounted and retail, on every item in the market. All are welcome to shop at this market and buyers can choose the price that meets their needs, no questions asked.
“The Farm Stand is on my way home from work, so I stop in and get my veggies for dinner,” Sarah, an NKC Farm Stand shopper, says. “I pay the retail price so I know I’m helping other families get the healthy foods they need.”
Located within the NKC’s thrift store, the Farm Stand operates year-round and offers seasonal produce, dairy, eggs, granola, maple syrup, and more to shoppers from over 20 local farms and producers. The proceeds from the Farm Stand all go back to support NKC’s programming and services, like their thrift store, pantry, and financial assistance programs for clients.
THE FARM STAND AT NORTH KENT CONNECT
- (Inside the North Kent Connect Thrift Store) 10075 Northland Dr. NE (at 12 Mile Rd), Rockford
- Open to all, Monday through Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM
- 616-866-3478 | nkconnect.org
The North Kent Connect Farm Stand is funded in part by the Heart of United Way West Michigan. For more information, contact Beverly Bouma, Food Programs Manager, at 616-866-3478 (ext. 342), or [email protected].