With anchored corporations like Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Co.) and Post Consumer Brands, Battle Creek may not initially be thought of as the vibrant local food system that it is. The ‘Cereal City’ is primarily known for the products it supplies to the middle of the grocery store aisles nationwide. Upon further investigation, you’ll find that collaborators statewide are working hard to uplift... Source ..read more

This article was originally published in the 2023 Local Food Guide. Did you know that Michigan is the second-largest producer of dry shell beans in the United States? Huron County in Michigan’s Thumb is one of the largest producers of black and cranberry beans. Delicious, affordable, and protein-packed, beans are an excellent addition to school meals. 10 Cents a Meal is a statewide program that... Source ..read more

On the northeast side of Ann Arbor, Food Gatherers’ warehouse is bustling with activity. Six days per week, food bank staff gather donated food for volunteers to sort and inspect. This food supports more than 140 hunger-relief partners throughout Washtenaw County, ensuring neighbors can access free meals and groceries. The stakes are high: counting every person in every household... Source ..read more

Are you a Michigan farmer looking to diversify your income stream? Or maybe you’re a municipal official aiming to boost local economic development while preserving rural charm. If so, mark your calendars for May 8, 2024, as the Hagerty Center in Traverse City hosts a groundbreaking event tailored just for you – the Agritourism Summit. Farm Club Light of Day Organics Why Agritourism in Michigan? Source ..read more

Depending on where you live, education programming can look drastically different from school to school. In many areas of the state, farm-to-school programs are supported by area organizations and funding, but it varies greatly between districts. Curious about development in the Northeast corner of the state, we reached out to Kristine Ranger, founder of Knowledge Navigators and collaborator with... Source ..read more

Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb and can be used in applications ranging from aromatic to medicinal, decorative to culinary. Its fragrant, purple blooms are popular with pollinators, making it a wonderful addition to any garden space. Not to mention, it’s a perennial, which means it will return every year with little maintenance. Dried lavender is about three times more potent than fresh... Source ..read more

Try your hand at making your own wreath using dried or fresh lavender from a Michigan source! 2-4 grapevines to make your wreath base (or a pre-made wreath base) 2-4 bunches fresh or dried lavender Floral twine (or any small-gauge, flexible wire you have around the house) Wire cutters Snips or garden shears 10” jute, sisal, or hemp garden twine Skip this step if using a pre-made wreath. Source ..read more

This recipe was originally published in the 2023 Local Food Guide. 12 local eggs 1 cup water 1.5 cups apple cider vinegar (use local if you can, you could also use local maple vinegar and at the brewery, we’ve used our own barrel- aged vinegar) 3 tablespoons local maple sugar 2 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon peppercorns Any additional things you love to have in your usual quick pickles. Source ..read more

If you’re in Jackson County between April 8 and 12, 2024, you’re in for a treat! Experience Jackson (Jackson County’s Convention and Visitor Bureau) is hosting Jackson County Restaurant Week, where you can indulge in a smorgasbord of culinary delights from three food trucks, two bakeries, and a whopping twenty brick-and-mortar restaurants. Swing by any participating location during the event dates... Source ..read more

The Farmers’ Truck began with a connection between small farmers in greater Moncton in Eastern Canada and a community experiencing food insecurity. Inspired by his family’s experience as lessors of a housing unit in which most tenants lacked access to consistent fresh produce, CEO and Co-Founder Frederic Laforge focused on infrastructure that offered more opportunities for food availability... Source ..read more