Community Food Systems

Michigan State University Extension supports the development of community food systems throughout Michigan by providing resources, specialists and educational programs to develop local food policy councils, farm to institutional purchasing, food hubs and farmers markets.

A sustainable community food system integrates food production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management to enhance the environmental, economic and social health of residents. Farmers, consumers and communities partner to create a more locally-based, self-reliant food economy which improves access to all community members to an adequate, affordable nutritious diet.

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• Starting a community garden project takes organization

  May 5, 2013 | Beth Clawson | Before you start a successful community garden project your group or organization should be able to identify some basic resources and be organized at the beginning.

• Michigan local foods rising in popularity

  May 3, 2013 | Terry McLean | The 2013 Locavore Index ranks Michigan as 22nd in terms of commitment to local foods.

• The role of a local food policy council

  May 2, 2013 | Michelle Walk | Local food policy councils have the ability to affect change without having to enact legislation.

• High school students liked Michigan lamb for lunch

  May 2, 2013 | Kendra Wills | Kentwood, Kelloggsville and Grand Rapids Public schools served several Michigan lamb dishes in mid-April 2013.

• Junior Iron Chef competitions offer multiple benefits for students and community

  May 2, 2013 | Rob Sirrine | As home economic classes fade from school curriculum, clubs and competitions fill the gap to teach students culinary arts.

• Consumers are creating demand for groceries from non-traditional retail sources

  May 1, 2013 | Randy Bell | From tech-savvy millennials to seniors, more people are seeking new and convenient ways to buy their food.

• Lapeer Farmers’ Market upgrades facilities for comfort of customers and vendors

  May 1, 2013 | Julia Darnton | Vendors and customers at the Lapeer Farmers’ Market are more prepared for chilly market days since the market’s pavilion was enhanced for comfort in October 2012.

• 10 strategies to eat local all year long

  April 26, 2013 | Katherine E. Hale | Eating local, including growing your own food, can provide you with great flavors year-round without busting your budget.

• Michigan lamb to be offered on school lunch menu

  April 17, 2013 | Becky Henne | Grand Rapids-area high school students are being offered lamb in a pita (Kafta) during their school lunch on April 18.

• Zoning moratoriums should only be done with caution

  April 17, 2013 | Kurt H. Schindler | Local governments might adopt a moratorium to prevent development until after rules are established. This can be perilous and some may question if moratoriums are legal. Do so with caution and make sure the municipal attorney is directly involved.

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To find an MSU Extension expert who covers your location or to find an expert in your area of interest, please visit the MSU Extension Expert Search. To reach an MSU Extension county office, call toll-free 1-888-678-3464.