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Michigan builds on national Good Food models to strengthen local agriculture and food supply chains

The Director of Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says a new program will increase local food connections and purchasing across the state.

Tim Boring tells Brownfield the Good Food for Michigan project will work in conjunction with the Center for Good Food Purchasing.

“How do we increase procurement of Michigan-originated grown foods and vegetables, different products, and get that into schools and in hospitals, community colleges in better ways, and then develop systems to address these ongoing supply chain issues?” he says the effort will tackle.

The non-profit Center for Good Food Purchasing has been working for the last decade to increase institutional buying that promotes social and environmental goals.

Boring says the state will build on national models to support bringing more locally grown food, fruits and vegetables, grains, and meat into markets.

“It’s important work that we see that not only results in increased economic demand and viability of Michigan farms, but it’s showing up and meeting the needs of people and how important just healthier people are across our state,” he says.

The project plans to implement the strategies identified in the Michigan Good Food Charter, which was developed by 150 Michigan agriculture, food, health, education, and governmental organizations.