Center for Regional Food Systems

Resources

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  A Call to Redistribute Resources and Power: Race Equity Dialogue in the Agrifood Business Space Webinar

  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  MLFCN Peer Advisors List

  Published on February 19, 2024
  The MLFCN Peer Advising was a program that allowed 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.

• 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.

• Grow More MI Harvest Match-Up Activity Page

  Published on January 29, 2024
  A downloadable matching activity 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.

• Grow More MI Snip and Grow Activity Page

  Published on January 29, 2024
  A downloadable cutting activity 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.

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  In It Together: Examining the Role of Food Hub Networks in Supporting Hub-to-Hub Collaborations

  Published on January 22, 2024
  This brief presents data from the 2021 National Food Hub survey with additional analysis to explore the role that networks play in supporting hub-to-hub collaboration.

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  Stacking Up: Comparing Food Hub Workers’ Wages and Benefits Similar to other Industries

  Published on January 22, 2024
  This brief presents wage and benefit data from the 2021 National Food Hub Survey alongside national labor data for comparison purposes.

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  Amplifying Impact with More Michigan Farms and Foods: 10 Cents a Meal 2021–2022 Evaluation Results

  Published on January 19, 2024
  The 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms program continues to reach more children in schools, districts, and childcare sites across Michigan, with the 2021-2022 school year serving the largest number of participating grantees yet.