Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced the allocation of nearly $342,000 in grants to seven farm stops across Michigan. The funding is part of the Food Hub and Farm Stops grant program, which aims to enhance the state's local food supply chain.

According to MDARD Director Tim Boring, "Farm stops strengthen our food system by giving Michigan farmers and consumers more opportunities to buy and sell locally. Today’s Farm Stop grants will help bring healthy, locally grown produce and locally raised meat to Michigan communities, complementing MDARD’s investments in eight food hubs earlier this year. At MDARD, we’re committed to bettering the lives of all Michiganders. These investments will go a long way in delivering for communities."

The selected recipients include Ark Companies in Charlotte ($50,000), Boulangerie 9 LLC in Suttons Bay ($49,000), Barry Community Foundation in Hastings ($50,000), Coveyou Scenic Farm in Petoskey ($48,594), Lakeview Hill Organic Farm LLC in Traverse City ($49,992), Lively Holdings LLC in Maple City ($50,000), and YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids ($44,000). Projects funded by these grants range from expanding community grocery stores to upgrading cold storage facilities and improving access for senior citizens and individuals with mobility barriers.

This initiative is administered through MDARD's Farm to Family Program. Launched during Fiscal Year 2025 as part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's bipartisan budget plan, Farm to Family provides grants along with networking opportunities and marketing consultations for participants throughout the local food supply chain. The program was developed based on feedback from farmers and consumers who identified needs within Michigan’s local food systems.

Since Governor Whitmer assumed office, MDARD has distributed over $184 million in grant funds supporting agriculture and rural development within Michigan. This total includes more than $10.3 million dedicated to rural projects and over $7.6 million aimed at strengthening regional food systems.

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