Resources

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.
Tools For Assessing Economic Impact: A Primer For Food System Practitioners Webinar

Published on October 4, 2017
This webinar provides an overview of different tools that food systems practitioners can use to assess economic growth, including both standard commercial models and alternative, community-based approaches.
Beginning Farmers: Crowdfunding for Small Farmers

Published on October 2, 2017
Crowdfunding is becoming more popular for small and beginning farmers. This guide aims to address how small and beginning farmers can use crowdfunding as a fundraising tool.
2015 National Food Hub Survey Questions

Published on September 20, 2017
The 2015 National Food Hub Survey was opened for response to food hub managers, the information and questions provided in the survey are listed in this report.
Farmers Markets as Engines of Economic Activity: Power in Numbers

Published on September 14, 2017
As we approach the end of peak season in Michigan, this webinar celebrates the many ways farmers markets contribute to community economic development across the state.
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.
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.
Beyond the Numbers, Food Business Decision Making Series: Buying or Leasing a Food Hub Truck

Published on August 9, 2017
This guide presents the pros and cons of a food hub buying or leasing a truck for distribution.
Opportunities and Barriers to Growing Michigan's Local Food System: The Case of Meat Processing

Published on August 8, 2017
This paper details some of the challenges that occur within and between the three tiers of the Michigan meat value chain; at the producer, processor and regulatory level and how they impact meat offerings in local food channels.
Economics of Healthy Food Incentives at Michigan Farmers Markets: Study Highlights

Published on August 8, 2017
This brief introduces findings and next steps from a study evaluating the economic influences of Double Up Food Bucks on Michigan farmers and farmers markets.
Measuring PH and Water Activity in Cured Reduced Oxygen Packaged Snack Sticks

Published on August 8, 2017
A comparison of in-house and third party pH and water activity (aw) testing of cured, reduced oxygen packaged meat products was conducted.
Economics of Healthy Food Incentives at Michigan Farmers Markets Webinar

Published on July 25, 2017
This webinar debuts new findings of a recent study of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the healthy food incentive program Double Up Food Bucks activity at Michigan farmers markets.
Reflections on 2016 Shared Measurement Food Access Survey - Year One

Published on July 14, 2017
This report reviews and reflects on the process and the survey tool used in the 2016 Healthy Food Access Shared Measurement Pilot.
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.
Tools for Assessing Economic Impact: A Primer for Food System Practitioners

Published on July 11, 2017
Designed for local food system practitioners, this guide presents summaries and comparisons of several tools for assessing economic impact and growth, along with related examples.
2015–2016 MI Farm to School Grant Program Report

Published on June 29, 2017
The MI Farm to School Grant Program is an effort to help food program providers overcome challenges and stimulate or sustain local food purchasing programs at K–12 schools and early childhood programs in Michigan.
Developing Michigan Meat Processing, Part 1: Processing and Regulation

Published on June 29, 2017
This report presents challenges and opportunities for small meat processors in Michigan, as well as suggestions to increase the volumes of meat that are moved within the Michigan value chain.
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.
Implementing Collective Impact for food systems change: Reflections and adaptations from Michigan

Published on May 9, 2017
As Collective Impact (CI) gains popularity across food systems change efforts, few scholars and practitioners have evaluated whether this collaborative social-change framework is well suited to food systems work.