Resources

Findings of the 2017 National Food Hub Survey

Published on March 27, 2018
This report presents the findings of the third National Food Hub Survey and the most current and comprehensive picture of food hubs in the United States to date.
Food is Medicine

Published on March 22, 2018
Shane Bernardo discusses a relationship between culturally-appropriate foods, food access, and health.
10 Cents a Meal for School Kids and Farms 2017-2018 Legislative Report

Published on March 20, 2018
The Michigan Department of Education 2017-2018 Legislative Report on the 10 Cents a Meal for School Kids & Farms pilot program.
CRFS Overview

Published on February 26, 2018
A brief "big-picture" look at the MSU Center for Regional Food System's work.
Understanding the Demand for Local Meat in the Grand Rapids region of Michigan

Published on February 26, 2018
This report provides an assessment of the Grand Rapids market for local and regional meat. The authors present demographics of the region and the meat processing facilities that are available.
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.
Getting started with organic matter basics

Published on February 14, 2018
What is soil organic matter, and how can it be improved? Watch this webinar to learn more!
Sizing Up Diverse Vegetable Farms: A Narrative Companion to the Scale of Production Matrix

Published on January 29, 2018
This part of the Toolbox for Vegetable Farm Viability provides a look at potential infrastructure, equipment, time and labor investments, as well as skill development and possible sales and income for different size small farms.
Market Channel Selection Tool

Published on January 29, 2018
This part of the Toolbox for Vegetable Farm Viability provides a look at potential considerations when choosing which channel or market option you might use to sell what you raise.
Pathways to $100K in Farm Sales: A Starting Point for Reaching Farm Sustainability

Published on January 29, 2018
This part of the Toolbox for Vegetable Farm Viability provides a look at sales volumes, pricing and outlets you might need to reach $100,000 in sales.
Scale of Production Matrix

Published on January 29, 2018
This part of the Toolbox for Vegetable Farm Viability provides a detailed look at potential infrastructure and equipment investments for different size small farms to help in planning and growth.
Curtis Ogden: Building Capacity Through Networks

Published on January 22, 2018
Video recording of Curtis Ogden, speaking at November 29, 2017 convening of statewide leaders of food and health associations and local food councils on the importance of networks.
Have You Tried Weekly Retail Replenishment?: A Guide for Small Meat Plants

Published on January 19, 2018
This resource focuses on improving profitability in small and very small meat plants by managing retail inventory more effectively.
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.
Regional Supply Chains and the Food Economy of Malawi

Published on January 8, 2018
This brief begins to systematically examine the regional supply chain in Lilongwe, Malawi. The regional food sector is critical to rural and urban food security.
10 Cents a Meal Pilot: 2016-2017 Evaluation Results

Published on December 21, 2017
These reports summarize the results of the 2016-2017 pilot of 10 Cents a Meal for School Kids and Farms, a project that provides up to 10 cents per meal in match funding for participating schools to purchase and serve Michigan-grown products.
Analysis of Healthy Food Incentive Programs' Impact on Farmers Market Vendors in Michigan

Published on December 4, 2017
This study explores the influences of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentives like Double Up on local food market activity. It examines how the DUFB program in Michigan has impacted Michigan farmers and vendors.
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.
Beginning Farmers: Finding the Money You Need

Published on November 3, 2017
This guide is meant to provide a road map to loan readiness and conventional and alternative credit access for beginning farmers. Access to financial capital is one of the largest obstacles for beginning farmers.
Beginning Farmers: 10 Steps to Loan Readiness

Published on October 30, 2017
At some point, most farmers need to make some changes and grow to sustain their business. Based on his lending work with hundreds of Michigan farmers, Mike Jordon developed the 10 steps contained in this guide to aid the growth of farming operations.