Agriculture and Food Systems

Strengthening Small-scale Livestock Producers in Northwest Lower Michigan Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology will use this grant to support a pilot initiative designed to strengthen small-scale livestock farming systems in Northwest Lower Michigan. The initiative will create a business-to-business collaborative of livestock farmers that will work to identify and overcome barriers to small-scale livestock […]

Food Hub Planning Project This grant will enable Grow Jackson to complete a plan and strategy for developing a regional food hub in Jackson County to strengthen the local food economy and fill a critical infrastructure gap in South Central Michigan. The planned food hub will include a year-round farm stop (a locally sourced, consignment-based

Partnership to Expand the Farm Stop Model Farmers, consumers, policymakers, and others are interested in learning about and expanding the farm stop model. Farm stops are everyday farmers markets where farmers own and price their products but importantly can return to the farm while their products remain on sale daily and year-round. Argus Farm Stop

Cultivating Accessibility and Sustainability in Ypsilanti’s Food System Over the past two decades, Growing Hope has continuously moved the needle to address chronic diet-related health diseases and food insecurity within the Ypsilanti area. Despite progress, many community members continue to experience barriers to fresh produce. Growing Hope will use this grant to invest in garden

The 2030 Project In the fall of 2023, Make Food Not Waste (MFNW) proposed to help Michigan reach its goal of cutting food waste in half by 2030 by redirecting the food waste in Southeast Michigan’s top 15 most populated cities away from landfills. Dubbed The 2030 Project, the plan attracted funding from the Michigan

2024 Programming and Operations This grant will be used for general operating purposes at Tollgate Farm in Novi, MI. Tollgate leadership and staff will use the funds to cover staffing costs, materials and supplies, marketing and outreach, and to prepare for emergencies and contingencies.

Continuing to Foster a Circular Economy Rooted in Regional Food Systems This grant will enable a coalition of organizations to continue their efforts to strengthen local markets and community-based food systems in Northeast Michigan. Specific efforts will include (1) expanding direct-market opportunities for small- and medium-scale farms; (2) foster connections across the region that support