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
Agriculture Forum: 10 Cents a Meal Grantees Expand
Fourteen school districts in northwest Lower Michigan are among 32 statewide that have extra funding this school year to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables and dry beans. That’s thanks to a second year of the state’s 10 Cents a Meal for School Kids & Farms pilot grant program. Together the districts serve 22,567 students in our region.
East Jordan Incorporates Local Produce into Cafeteria and Curriculum
Elementary School, K-6, and preschool students at East Jordan Public Schools are eating more local farm-fresh fruits and vegetables thanks to “Try Days” which the Charlevoix County school is holding early each month. In order to connect nutrition with classroom learning, students also watch a series of videos featuring one-minute health tips, and vote whether they “tried it”, “liked it” or “loved it”.
Phelps Leads Taste the Local Difference on Local Food Expansion Statewide
Tricia Phelps’ relationship with local food began the first time she tasted a butternut squash. It was the fall of 2009—harvest season—and she was a junior at Michigan State University (MSU). A co-worker at MSU’s Residential Hospitality Services’ sustainability office...