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
Planting the Seed with Farm to School
A plastic dishpan of potting soil, a cup of seeds and some small plastic baggies made their way around a conference room at the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. These simple materials evolved into tiny greenhouses and a mini-science lesson for teachers to engage their students on local food and agriculture. The Michigan Land Use Institute, TBAISD and FoodCorps teamed up to plant this seed-literally and figuratively-that local food and agriculture can be an integral part of the classroom.
Building a conversation around school food
A recent overhaul of the federal nutrition rules for schools is meant to provide healthier options for children. But the new requirements-including larger servings of fruits and vegetables that local farmers could grow, less sodium and fat, and more whole grains-have sparked a heated debate nationally and right here in Traverse City.
Big announcements at Farm Summit
Over the last decade, though, through the relentless and often creative efforts of organizations and entrepreneurs, a now burgeoning food and farming sector is evident at every turn. On Tuesday, March 12, the fruits of this work were celebrated during the fifth annual Farm Route to Prosperity Summit at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City.