Michigan Farm to Institution Network

The Michigan Farm to Institution Network (MFIN) is a space for learning, sharing and working together to get more local food to institutions. We aim to meet the Michigan Good Food Charter goal of 20% Michigan food to institutions by 2020. Through the network, we host a statewide local food purchasing campaign, called Cultivate Michigan, to help Farm to Institution programs grow and track their progress.

We help:

Institutions such as hospitals, early childhood programs, schools, and colleges find, buy and use Michigan foods;
Farmers and food suppliers offer the local foods institutions want in the ways they need; and
Eaters at institutions identify, value and enjoy local foods.

The Michigan Farm to Institution Network is member of the Steering Committee for the National Farm to Institution Metrics Collaborative.

Become a Member

Network membership is open to institutional food service directors and buyers as well as farmers, food vendors and suppliers, advocates, supporters and researchers.

By joining the Network, you will have the opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to help shape farm to institution programs in Michigan; network and participate in learning activities and social events across the state; and be part of a larger movement to help take local food purchasing at Michigan institutions to the next level!

Membership Benefits

Invitations to network events
Periodic e-news with network updates
Join network action meetings (primarily virtual)
Contribute to network projects (see below for more information)

Network Projects

This work is driven by our members! The activities of the network are coordinated by leaders across Michigan. Bring your expertise and help shape the direction of the network by joining one or more subcommittees of your choice.

Tours and Educational Events	Promote Michigan featured foods and recipes Feature your work in webinars, trainings, tours and events
Research	Help identify and shape partnerships and funding sources for farm to institution research
Stories	Share the story of the network with current and future members from across different sectors of the food system
Outreach	Serve as an ambassador for farm to institution efforts in Michigan Help secure institutional commitments to Cultivate Michigan Discover new and valuable partnerships among growers, suppliers, and processors
Data Tracking	Create tools and strategies for institutions to track their local food purchasing and share successes

Become a member of the Michigan Farm to Institution Network here.

If you have questions about the Michigan Farm to Institution Network, contact info@cultivatemichigan.org. To learn more about Cultivate Michigan, go to www.cultivatemichigan.org.

The Michigan Farm to Institution Network is coordinated by Colleen Matts, Farm to Institution Specialist with CRFS, with support from MSU Extension. MFIN and Cultivate Michigan are funded, in part, by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, and the Americana Foundation.

Follow @cultivatemi