Key takeaways from the recent National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
ABOVE: Photo courtesy of the National Farm to School Network. Momentum!By Christina Barkel, Food Equity SpecialistMore momentum is surging through farm to school work than ever before. At the recent National Farm to Cafeteria Conference—the 10th annual—success...
What does an equitable farm bill mean for Michigan’s rural farmers?
ABOVE: Caitlin McSweeney-Steffes, farmer at Danu Hof Farm—a good farm bill is essential to sustaining her family and their farm. Photo courtesy Michigan Economic Development Corporation. A Farm Dream Just north of Mancelona, Michigan, along the US131 corridor sits the...
Impact of pause in SNAP benefits in northwest Lower Michigan. Q/A with Groundwork’s Christina Barkel.
ABOVE: Food pantries like Leelanau Christian Neighbors are bracing for a surge in demand if SNAP benefits pause. In northwest Lower Michigan, Groundwork’s Food Equity Specialist, Christina Barkel, plays a central role in sourcing and distributing locally grown food...
Exciting expansion of local food access thru BRC program
Above: Christina Barkel, Groundwork, and Sam LaSusa, of East Bay Charter Township. “Often, our neighbors do not know how to make dishes with fresh produce.” “Having a garden at our center will help children learn many skills, including about the environment, healthy...
A new stove and beautiful garden bring powerful change for the kids
Building Resilient Communities (BRC) is Groundwork’s program that makes available grants and Groundwork staff to support food pantries, schools, farms, and other organizations in increasing the amount of locally grown food available to people in Michigan communities....