Center for Regional Food Systems Food and Community Connections

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  Developing Large-Scale Sustainable Local Egg Markets

  Published on August 9, 2017
  This brief explores a possible method to help local egg growers develop large-scale markets.

• Regulatory Routes to Purchasing Michigan Meat

  Published on July 13, 2017
  This infographic is designed the help both buyers and sellers of meat understand meat processing regulation in Michigan.

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  Local Food for Little Eaters: A Purchasing Toolbox for the Child and Adult Care Food Program

  Published on June 8, 2017
  This toolbox supports early childhood programs in starting local food purchasing initiatives to help meet Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines for healthy meals.

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  Local Governments & Food Systems - 2015 Survey Results

  Published on May 5, 2016
  CRFS worked with the International City/County Management Association to conduct a second comprehensive national survey of local government policies, programs, plans, and other activities supporting food systems.

• Characterizing Food Retail in Rural NE Michigan: Opportunities to Improve Healthy Food Access

  Published on November 10, 2015
  This research report inventories and characterizes the types of food retail establishments in northeast (lower) Michigan and suggests strategies to improve healthy food access in underserved areas of the region.

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  Growing Local Food Systems: A Case Study Series on Local Governments

  Published on May 5, 2015
  This report features four case studies highlighting various forms of local government support for food systems.

• Growing Local Food Systems: A Case Study on Washtenaw County - Ann Arbor, MI

  Published on April 14, 2015
  This case study features food systems activities within Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor.

• Growing Local Food Systems: A Case Study on Topsham, ME

  Published on April 14, 2015
  This case study features local food systems activities within the Town of Topsham, Maine.

• Growing Local Food Systems: A Case Study on Catawba County, NC

  Published on April 14, 2015
  This case study features local food systems activities within Catawba County, North Carolina.

• Growing Local Food Systems: A Case Study on Decatur, GA

  Published on April 14, 2015
  This case study features local food systems activities within the City of Decatur, Georgia.

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  Financing Farming in the U.S.: Bolstering Community Lending Capacity for Small to Midsized Farms

  Published on April 7, 2015
  This document reviews learnings from several years of research and dialogue on financing food production for regional food systems.

• Farm to Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Trainings Information Sheet

  Published on January 12, 2015
  This document provides information about the Farm to Migrant and Seasonal Head Start trainings.

• Strengthening Relationships between Lenders and Farmers of Color

  Published on November 3, 2014
  This document shares the proceedings of a first-of-its-kind roundtable event attended by farm and financing advocates pursuing fair access to farm financing.

• Strengthening Relationships Between Lenders & Farmers of Color Summary

  Published on May 1, 2014
  This document summarizes the inaugural roundtable of farmer of color networks and community development financial institutions to strengthen the relationships between both borrowers and lenders.

• Is Anyone Better Off? A Conversation about Food System Outcomes, Indicators & Metrics Webinar

  Published on April 2, 2014
  This webinar addressed ways to effectively measure, track and communicate the community and economic development gains realized through local and regional food systems.

• Financing Farming in the U.S.: Financial Institution Lending in the Farm Production Sector

  Published on September 30, 2013
  This report details interviews with lenders from community development financial institutions and other organizations with experience in the small and midscale farm sector.

• Local Government Support for Food Systems: Themes and Opportunities from National Data

  Published on September 20, 2013
  This brief provides a snapshot of a comprehensive national survey on local governments’ food-related activities and a conversation of survey results that included opportunities discussed and potential next steps.

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  2012 Local Government Survey Highlights

  Published on March 20, 2013
  Survey results provide insight into the ways and lenses through which local governments engage in food systems, which may be of interest to good food advocates seeking municipal or county support for their efforts.

• Food Systems: Cultivating Thriving Communities

  Published on June 1, 2012
  This article discusses motivations and opportunities for local governments around food systems, touching on themes such as resiliency, entrepreneurship and place-making.

• Financing Farming in the U.S.: Strengthening Metrics and Expanding Capital Access

  Published on May 14, 2012
  This report illustrates successful lending practices among community development financial institutions and their strategic partners, and summarizes steps to expand capital in the sector.