MSU Extension Ottawa County

Kendra Wills and Garrett Ziegler are Community Food System Educators that serve the eight counties of Districts 5 and 7 (Allegan, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa). We offer technical assistance and/or programs on the following topics:

Information and technical assistance for local food policy councils/local food councils

Technical assistance for food service directors interested in purchasing more local food 

Personalized consulting and technical assistance for food and agriculture entrepreneurs and businesses. Areas of expertise include: launching a product for retail sales, food product packaging, and starting or growing a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm 

Programming and grant writing to encourage the growth of food hubs, local food processing and production 

Food safety training (USDA Group GAP) and professional development for fruit and vegetable growers related to direct, retail and institutional sales 

Technical assistance with local food community events and collaborations. We are particularly interested in supporting efforts that advance social justice and racial equity. 

Connection to other Michigan State University resources to assist local food businesses, councils and markets

Office Location

MSU Extension at the Grand Rapid’s Downtown Market
109 Logan Ave SW, Suite B102 - Grand Rapids, MI 49503
MSUE at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Facebook Page