With support from Groundwork, the Northwest Michigan Food and Farming Network began in 2016 awarding mini-grants -small amounts of seed money for innovative, collaborative projects to enhance our local food system.
TentCraft Innovates, Creates Local Jobs, Now Offers Farm to Workplace Benefits
The innovative pop-up tent maker TentCraft is a leader in attracting knowledge-based talent to Traverse City. The company has also created dozens of manufacturing jobs, has an “infants in the workplace” program, and recently launched a CSA-based employee wellness plan.
Agriculture Forum: State Lawmakers Consider 10 Cents A Meal Program
The Michigan Legislature is considering whether to continue, or expand, the impactful 10 Cents a Meal state pilot project that is increasing business from schools for a significant number of farms and related food companies throughout Michigan. A state Senate subcommittee has included continued funding, but the House, so far, has not. Visit www.TenCentsMichigan.org to learn how to contact your local legislator.
Report on 10 Cents a Meal Released to Legislature
The popular 10 Cents a Meal for School Kids & Farms incentive procurement pilot program is providing schools with up to 10 cents per meal in match funding to purchase and serve Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and legumes to an estimated 48,000 students in 16 grant-winning school districts. Lawmakers are encouraged to expand the program, as schools are serving a greater variety of fruits and vegetables and that is exactly what Michigan farmers grow.
Boyne Falls’ un-BEET-able School Lunches and Food Curriculum
FoodCorps service member Lindsay Hall describes the innovative and delicious school lunches and food-based curriculum at Boyne Falls. Hall works together with Groundwork and Michigan State University Extension.
Good Food for the Masses: Biology, Intimacy and Sacredness
Bill Palladino, CEO of Taste the Local Difference, declares that eating, and choosing the food we eat, are sacred acts. Palladino gave the keynote address at the 2017 Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference. He touched on biology, intimacy and sacredness.