Michigan Farm to School News

 

Greetings,

Here’s the latest farm to school related news….

 

 

NEWS

Our friends at the Michigan Land Use Institute just released the newest edition of the Taste the Local Difference farm and food guide. Check it out, especially if you’re living, visiting, or eating in northwest Michigan!

 

Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch is hiring a Program Coordinator to oversee farm to school programming. This organization is one of our Great Lakes Regional Partners through the National Farm to School Network. Please see the attached job description to learn more.

 

The Michigan State University Extension Consumer Horticulture Team, led by Mary Wilson and Bridget Behe, have created a new Gardening in Michigan website loaded with practical information. Check it out here.

 

 

EVENTS

The Northwest Initiative’s Food System Project in Lansing is hosting a free summer garden camp at three locations! Check out the attached flier and registration form for more information, including contact info. The summer camps start June 15^th!

 

The Food System Economic Partnership is hosting their annual conference on Thursday, June 18^th at the Lenawee County Vocational Tech Center in Adrian, MI. FSEP works to build a better food system in 5 county area of southeastern Michigan, and farm to school has been a big part of that work. Click here for more info about the conference, including registration.

 

The FoodMed Conference, an international conference on healthy food in healthcare, is scheduled for June 30-July 1 at the MGM Grand in Detroit, MI. Register soon for this third international conference!

 

For students who are interested in “real food” on their campuses, check out this Midwest training opportunity offered through the Real Food Challenge on July 11-13^th in Ames, IA.

 

Farmers and eaters, get ready for the July Select Michigan Capitol Lawn Farmers Market! The market will be held on Thursday, July 23^rd 2009 from  10 am – 3 pm. Up to 50 vendors who produce and sell Michigan specialty crops can participate. Vendors interested in reserving booth space for the market must complete the application and biography form (attached). Be sure to indicate “none” if a question does not apply.  Please mail, fax, or email completed forms by June 12^th to:

Erin Groeb

Michigan Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 30017

Lansing, MI

FAX: (517)335-0628

email: groebe@michigan.gov

 

Interested in learning more about the MSU Student Organic Farm? The SOF Outreach Coordinator, Adam Montri, is hosting informal tours of the fields, hoophouses, CSA distribution room, transplant greenhouse, and more! A number of tours are scheduled for the remainder of 2009. See the attached flier for more information and dates.

 

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

USDA Rural Development is seeking proposals for the 2009 Value Added Producer Grant Program. Click here for more information, including deadlines.

 

 

Enjoy the long holiday weekend!

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to School Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu