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New Local Food Guide Aims to Boost Local Economy

By: Kristine Fedewa, MIFFS

A new guide to West Michigan farms, Farmer’s Markets and other sources of local, fresh food gives consumers more power to vote with their food dollar. West Michigan Fresh: A Guide to Local Food offers information on more than 110 farms, 20 Farmers' Markets, and many restaurants, caterers and retail establishments throughout the region that produce or use fresh, locally grown food. The 48- page guide is sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council (GGRFSC) and Michigan Integrated Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS).

The debut issue of the west Michigan guide to local food offers

• a comprehensive listing of options in Kent and Ottawa counties
• consumers the opportunity to choose their food production methods
• information about hunger and gleaning
• listing for local food production and food-related organizations in seven neighboring counties
• innovative ideas for consumers to support the “buy local” initiative I F S M E M O
• identification of restaurants supporting local growers and Select Michigan
• options for advertising in the 2006 issue

In addition, the most unique feature of the 2005 guide is a bold designation for markets that participate in the Project Fresh program. Next year organizers hope to expand the coverage area to include Van Buren County as well as identify all remaining sites that redeem Project Fresh coupons.

With this guide, consumers can easily find outlets for local food and join the growing number of consumers who spend $10 per week and keep their money circulating at home. Copies of the local food guide can be obtained at area Farmers' Markets, township and city offices, chambers of commerce, MSU Extension offices, community health departments, and participating retail stores, such as Spartan Family Fare, Harvest Health and Healthy Path.

Grand Rapids area restaurants Bistro Bella Vita, EGR Firehouse Grill, Marie Catrib's, Bostwick Inn and D'Maries will have free copies and weekly features of locally grown products.

For a list of specific outlets or to obtain a copy, call Tom Cary at 616.451.3051 or visit www.foodshed.net/foodguide. An electronic version of the guide may be accessed through that web address as well.

www.michigan.gov
Release Date: February 04, 2003
Last Update: August 26, 2005
Contact: Christine Lietzau 517/373-9800
Agency: Agriculture