Center for Regional Food Systems Michigan Farm to School

Do you know a way to bring local, nutritious food to more schools across our region? 

MSU Center for Regional Food Systems is a part of the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub, which supports people working to improve school meals across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. We are committed to providing our nation’s children nutritious meals that improve their health and set them up for bright futures. We aim to build a resilient food supply chain through innovation, and we aim to create a food system that develops nutritious foods for schools through industry partnerships.

Our initiative offers funding, training, and other assistance to partnerships that include farmers, food producers, suppliers, distributors, schools, and organizations.

On October 15, 2025, we opened applications for two new funding opportunities: the Spark Awards and the Innovation Collaborative Awards.  

• Spark Awards fund projects that need a short-term infusion of funds for school food system and product improvements, such as capacity-building, planning, and product-testing projects. ($30K - $100K per year)  

• Innovation Collaborative Awards fund projects that promote systems-level change of the school food system, such as scaling up of programs, forming regional partnerships, or developing or integrating new programs or products. ($250K - $500K over 2 - 2 ½ years)  

Wonder if you have what it takes to pursue these opportunities?  

Michigan’s State Lead, Julie Lehman, will be able to answer your questions and help guide you through the application process, as well as connect you with partners and resources to bring your ideas to life. Grantees will receive ongoing support tailored to their needs and goals. Reach out through the Michigan Interest Form linked on our website to take the next step! Grantees will receive ongoing support tailored to their needs and goals.

About the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub

The Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub envisions a day when our school food system is powered by our communities’ ideas and resources, and every student has the nourishing food they need to thrive. Our grant-making initiative is supported by the USDA and convened by the Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI). We serve Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Our State Leads are key parts of their local and regional food system and school networks. They offer one-on-one support, tailored technical assistance and strategic connections with potential collaborators. Learn more at https://innovateschoolfood.org/ 

This project was funded using U.S. Department of Agriculture grant funds.