Resources

Developing Food Systems Plans: Considerations for Getting Started

Published on January 21, 2026
Food systems plans advance a set of goals and action priorities that address challenges in the food system. This resource provides a list of considerations for a community- and stakeholder-led planning process.
Case Study: Growing a More Inclusive Muskegon County Food System

Published on January 15, 2026
Through synthesizing responses shared at listening sessions hosted by Lakeshore Flavor, this case study shares recommendations on how to nurture a Muskegon County Food System that more equitably reflects and empowers its community.
Conclusions and Recommendations from the Findings of the 2025 National Food Hub Survey

Published on December 22, 2025
The 2025 National Food Hub Survey collected and analyzed experiences of food hubs from the 2024 calendar year. To inform future support for food hubs, this resource includes a compiled list of recommendations provided by a national Community of Practice.
Findings of the 2025 National Food Hub Survey

Published on December 22, 2025
The 2025 National Food Hub Survey provides insights into food hub operations, financial viability, and sector trends post-COVID, based on data and experiences from 100 hubs across 27 states.
Biosecurity Standards and Practices For Ag-Professionals and Service Providers

Published on December 9, 2025
Ag-professionals who travel between farms have a responsibility to practice biosecurity standards when visiting farms. This protects animal health but also demonstrates awareness of the economic importance of disease prevention in the livestock industry.
Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide

Published on December 8, 2025
Beginning Farmer Resource & Decision-Making Guide main page
Loan readiness for First Time Borrowers Resource Sheet

Published on December 5, 2025
In this resource sheet, you will find a loan readiness checklist, financing options, key terms, and quick tip to help prepare food and farm business entrepreneurs for their first time through the lending process.
Demystifying Grant Terms

Published on December 5, 2025
Navigating grant funding can be complex and overwhelming - and it can be hard to know where to start! This guide aims to define basic grant terms and provide an understanding of terms that may be used for applying for funding.
Branding and Marketing Self-Guided Course for Food and Farm Businesses

Published on November 25, 2025
This course is a no-cost resource designed for food and farm entrepreneurs in the early stages of launching their business. Containing five modules, the self-guided course allows users to complete it at their own pace and explore specific marketing needs.
Beginning Food and Farm Business Market Access

Published on November 25, 2025
Food and farm business owners in the early stages of launching and marketing their business can explore multiple resources to learn how to increase sales and enter new markets.
Wholesale Produce Guide Template for Buyers

Published on November 25, 2025
Developed by the NWI Food Council, this Wholesale Produce Guide Template can help wholesale buyers simplify the steps of grading and packing as a way to support farmer success.
Marketing Resource Suite for Food and Farm Businesses

Published on November 24, 2025
Having a consistent and recognizable brand is essential for any business. The following resources provide templates and guides for food and farm businesses to make creative, consistent marketing materials for social media, websites, newsletters, and more.
10 Cents a Meal Grantees Across All Years

Published on November 3, 2025
The 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan Kids and Farm is a state-funded program that matches what schools and other non-school sponsors spend on MI-grown fruits, vegetables, and dry beans with grants of up to 10 Cents per meal. Find the list of all grantees here.
The National Food Hub Survey Data Dashboard

Published on October 16, 2025
Through the National Food Hub Survey Data Dashboard, users can visually explore the findings of previous National Food Hub Surveys from 2013-2025.
2025 National Food Hub Survey – Executive Summary

Published on October 16, 2025
Showcasing experiences from the 2024 calendar year, the initial findings from the 2025 National Food Hub Survey highlight increased sales to schools, as well as a high dependence on grant funding.
Michigan State University 2025 Urban Agriculture Summit Report

Published on October 15, 2025
Over 200 urban agriculture stakeholders attended the Michigan Urban Agriculture Summit held on February 7, 2025 at Michigan State University. This report summarizes the event and is for people interested or working in urban agriculture in Michigan.
Plant, Grow, Share: A Farm to ECE Workshop Series

Published on October 3, 2025
This four-part video series offers practical tools to help educators integrate gardening, nutrition, and farm-to-ECE practices into their childcare settings.
Michigan Farmer Market Vendor Journey Map and Recorded Presentation

Published on September 12, 2025
The Michigan Farmers Market Vendor Journey Map is a free, step-by-step guide for new farmers and food producers. It covers licensing, marketing, display tips, and prep essentials to help you succeed at your first farmers market
Food Hub Receiving Process Checklist and Template

Published on September 12, 2025
Good quality product begins at the receiving door. This short video and templated document provide food hubs with a checklist of items to consider as they build out their internal receiving processes.
Tribal Food Producer Information Session: Requirements of Packaged Food Products – September 10, 2025

Published on September 10, 2025
This Tribal Food Producer Info session hosted by the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition and the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center discussed available resources pertaining to the requirements of packaging and marketing food products.