With roots firmly embedded in the pro-health, pro-environment, and pro-economy principles of a local food system, the Groundwork Food and Farming team creates markets for local farmers, and helps connect locally grown food to school children, food pantry clients and families across the state.
While much of our work begins locally in northwest lower Michigan, one of our guiding missions is to inspire a statewide culture of healthy, locally raised food.
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Food & Farming News
Pick of the Week: Asparagus
Since I arrived in Traverse City, I have not stopped hearing about the asparagus. So I wasn’t too surprised when I went to the farmers market last week and asparagus was everywhere.
Ten Cents a Meal program is expanding
If you are a northwest Michigan farmer who grows fruits or vegetables and you like the idea of local school children eating the food you grow-or you just want more sales-now is the time to explore those new markets. The Michigan Land Use Institute and Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District are launching an expanded two-year pilot project that could mean up to $200,000 in sales of local agricultural products to schools in eight districts in four counties.
Network advances local food at institutions
A new Michigan Farm to Institution Network is helping schools, hospitals, day care centers, senior living and other institutions ramp up their purchases of locally grown food.