Food & Farming
Farmer support
For nearly 20 years Groundwork has worked to build the local food economy. This work is based on the understanding that local food is nutritionally dense and best for health, increases local farm incomes, and helps the environment by keeping farmland secure and safe from development. Food system work is a team sport, and we work extensively with partners within the farming community in these endeavors.
REGIONAL NETWORKS
Groundwork actively supports regional networks that support local farmers. Learn more about these regional networks here.
TASTE THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Conceived and incubated as a Groundwork marketing project and has turned into an ever-growing standalone company. Taste the Local Difference educates consumers about the value of local food, and supports food and farming entrepreneurs in building successful, well-connected, and thoughtful businesses. Learn more about the company here.
GET INVOLVED!
Resources
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
Farmer Support News
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...
Ice Storm Farm Relief Fund profile: Kevin Donner, Mshko’Ode Farm
ABOVE: Kevin and Mary Donner, Mshko'Ode Farm This article is part of the Ice Storm Farm Relief Fund series, in which we share the first-person stories of farmers affected by northern Michigan’s historic ice storm of late March 2025. The ice storm was devastating for...
Ice Storm Farm Relief Fund profile: Andrew LaFountain, Alpine Forest Farm
ABOVE: Becca and Andrew LaFountain, of Alpine Forest Farm A dozen counties in northern Lower Michigan experienced a disastrous ice storm that lasted from March 28 through 30, 2025. The storm is long gone but the damage remains and farmers need the help of all of us to...
