Resources

Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: Program Development Considerations and Team Planning Guide

Published on May 29, 2024
The purpose of this resource is to provide Local Food Purchasing Incentive program designers and stakeholders with essential questions to create programs, or modify elements of existing programs.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: An Introduction to State-Level Policies to Support Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Since 2020

Published on May 29, 2024
State-level policies play a pivotal role in bolstering local food purchasing within educational institutions, primarily K–12 school and early care and education (ECE) settings.
Expanded Local Food Purchasing Incentives: Programs that Reimburse More Than Local Food

Published on May 29, 2024
A key distinguishing factor among Local Food Purchasing Incentives is their focus on incentivizing specific types of foods or nonfood products, a decision that significantly impacts various agricultural sectors and the overall accessibility of the program.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: Incorporating Additional Values

Published on May 29, 2024
As interest continues to rise in local food purchasing incentive (LFPI) policies, the conversations around them are expanding beyond prioritizing purchases based simply on whether they are “local” foods.
Farm to School Local Food Purchasing Incentives: What if States Funded Farmers to sell to Schools?

Published on May 29, 2024
This resource considers alternative ways that policymakers can directly subsidize local farmers, food hubs, and other producers to increase their sales to K–12 schools and early care and educational (ECE) settings.
The Farmer in the Dell: Connecting with a Local Grower

Published on May 17, 2024
Connect your ECE site to local growers using these tips, strategies, and resources to increase access to nutrient-dense, local foods.
Ottawa Food: Community Advocates

Published on May 7, 2024
This case study from the Michigan Local Food Council Network is focused on the organizing efforts of Ottawa who participated in the Policy Advocacy Learning Cohort.
Kent County Food Policy Council: Great Grocer Project

Published on May 7, 2024
This case study from the Michigan Local Food Council Network is focused on the organizing efforts of the Kent County Food Policy Council (Kent County FPC) who participated in the Policy Advocacy Learning Cohort.
2018 Farm Bill Advocacy with the Detroit Food Policy Council

Published on May 7, 2024
This case study from the Michigan Local Food Council Network is focused on the Detroit Food Policy Council’s efforts to support 2018 Farm Bill advocacy.
A Call to Redistribute Resources and Power: Race Equity Dialogue in the Agrifood Business Space

Published on May 2, 2024
A REFS webinar which focuses on race equity-centered dialogue on the agrifood business space and discusses recommendations put forth by the USDA Equity Commission.
Michigan Local Food Councils Map

Published on May 1, 2024
This map, updated in early 2024, shows Michigan local food councils and their coverage area in the state.
Directory of Michigan Local Food Councils

Published on May 1, 2024
Use this directory to connect with Michigan local food councils and food policy councils.
MFIN Virtual Network Meeting: Sustainable Procurement at the Institutional Level

Published on April 9, 2024
A recording of the MFIN Virtual Network Meeting focused on how institutions can leverage their purchasing power to help advance sustainability in food service.
Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center Overview

Published on March 13, 2024
The Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center is one of 12 Regional Food Business Centers across the country and is led by the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
10 Cents a Meal for Michigan's Kids and Farms 2022-2023 Legislative Report

Published on March 6, 2024
Every year, the Michigan Department of Education submits a report to the state legislature about 10 Cents a Meal, to which 10 Cents a Meal partners contribute. This report shares information about the impacts of the 10 Cents a Meal program in 2022-2023.
Time Management Workbook for Food and Farm Entrepreneurs

Published on February 29, 2024
A workbook with guides, multimedia presentation links, and templated resources to assist food and farm entrepreneurs with task management and prioritization.
Funding Sources for Food-Related Businesses, Ninth Edition

Published on February 28, 2024
The ninth edition of this directory provides an overview of various financing sources available to food-related businesses in Michigan and across the United States.
MLFCN Peer Advisors List

Published on February 19, 2024
The MLFCN Peer Advising is a program that allows council members with experience in particular areas to share their unique knowledge with other councils, advancing each council’s work, further developing food systems leaders.
Time Management Workbook for Food & Farm Businesses

Published on January 30, 2024
This workbook was designed by the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) Business Assistance team to help food and farm entrepreneurs make business planning an achievable, approachable, and beneficial endeavor.
Grow More MI Fruits & Veggies of Michigan Map Coloring Page

Published on January 29, 2024
A downloadable coloring page of fruits and veggies in Michigan for the Grow More MI initiative, a part of the Michigan Farm to Early Care and Education project at the Center for Regional Food Systems.