Briefs & Fact Sheets

2021 National Farm to ECE Survey

Published on August 3, 2022
See what we learned from 2,914 survey respondents across 26 states about current farm to ECE initiatives, what's needed to sustain and expand participation, and the effect, if any, of COVID-19 on farm to ECE and local purchasing practices.
Michigan Local Food Councils Map

Published on July 30, 2021
This map, updated in summer 2021, shows Michigan local food councils and their coverage area in the state.
It’s a SNAP: The Value of Nutrition Incentives for Brick and Mortar Retailers

Published on April 21, 2021
Brick and mortar retailers who source and sell local foods can tailor their operations and marketing techniques to sell to SNAP audiences.
Why 10 Cents Matters: A Framework

Published on July 31, 2020
This resource describes how 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms works and the impacts it can have. This state-funded pilot program matches what schools spend on Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and legumes with grants of up to 10 cents per meal.
Michigan Farm to School: Serving Up Local Foods

Published on November 5, 2019
What does farm to school mean in Michigan, and how can you participate? Inside you'll find resources to help you get started and contacts that can help you grow your farm to school program.
Farm to Early Care and Education: Growing Healthy Eaters

Published on November 5, 2019
This document provides an overview of farm to early care and education, steps to successfully purchase local food, and highlights available resources.
Who Was in the Room and How Were They Impacted? The Reach and Value of CRFS Events 2016-2018

Published on March 21, 2019
What motivates people to attend CRFS network convenings? How are summits and network meetings impacting participants? This report uses 586 evaluations collected from 2016 to 2018 to begin to answer such questions.
External Resources Recommended by the Racial Equity in the Food System Workgroup

Published on January 16, 2019
Check out these resources to grow your knowledge of racial equity in the food system.
How do institutional food service professionals know that food from their suppliers is safe?

Published on December 17, 2018
Results from a brief survey asking institutional food service buyers how they know that their suppliers have followed safe food production and handling practices.
2018 National Farm to Early Care and Education Survey

Published on September 11, 2018
The results of the 2018 National Farm to Early Care and Education Survey are available for partners and supporters to use and share in their networks.
Transitioning to Certified Organic in Michigan: Where to Start?

Published on August 1, 2018
This Michigan State University Extension bulletin was developed to outline steps to initiate the process and to aid farmers in deciding whether this type of certification is the best route for their farm.
Cultivate Michigan 2017 Data Brief

Published on May 29, 2018
This brief summarizes progress to date of the Cultivate Michigan institutional local food purchasing campaign since launching in 2014.
CRFS Overview

Published on February 26, 2018
A brief "big-picture" look at the MSU Center for Regional Food System's work.
Beyond Grants Executive Summary: Entrepreneurial Strategies for Funding Beginning Farmer Initiatives

Published on February 20, 2018
Executive summary of report researching and documenting entrepreneurial strategies to raise funds for beginning farmer initiatives.
Ypsilanti Area Food Access Survey 2016

Published on January 9, 2018
This data brief reports out key findings from a 2016 survey in Ypsilanti on community members’ access to food. Findings will help inform strategies to improve food security and access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Why is Land Access Critical? Bridging the Gap Between Food, Health and Land

Published on November 21, 2017
A brief explanation aiming to bring clarity and awareness around the disconnection between health and access to farmland.
Taking Root: Hoophouses for Health & MI Farm to School Infographic

Published on October 9, 2017
Learn how Hoophouses for Health helps Michigan children and families have better access to good food while supporting Michigan farmers and increasing season extension food production.
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.
Deciding to Process Beef, Hogs, or Deer in Small Meat Plants

Published on August 9, 2017
This brief presents simple principles to aid small meat plants in deciding whether and when to process one species over another.
A Case for Daily Slaughter in Small Meat Plants

Published on August 9, 2017
This brief discusses the merits of daily slaughter to aid small meat plants into increased sales and profitability.