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
Debbie Stabenow Receives Helen Milliken Legacy Award
The Michigan Land Use Institute honored Senator Debbie Stabenow with its Helen Milliken Legacy Award at a July 27 dinner in honor of the former first lady and Gov. William Milliken. MLUI created the award to recognize those who carry forward Helen Milliken’s legacy of environmental advocacy and civil discourse. Stabenow is the first recipient.
TLD gets an upgrade
Taste the Local Difference (TLD) has had a decade of success connecting farmers with consumers. The TLD Food & Farm Guide is the iconic symbol of our small-farm community in northwest Michigan. In annual, pocket-sized, editions, it has listed a growing number of farms and food system partners. This year, we’re taking the successes of TLD and giving them an upgrade.
Double Up Food Bucks give needy a leg up
The statewide, nonprofit program helps financially struggling families eat healthy while supporting business for farmers. It doubles the money that people who receive SNAP Bridge Card assistance (food stamps) have to spend with local farmers at farmers markets. That means it’s helping federal dollars governed by the Farm Bill have much more of an impact on local farm economies than, say, the grocery section at Walmart.