Resources

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.