How a network helps Michigan institutions source and serve local food

The story of the Michigan Farm to Institution Network

Photo credit: Matt and Emily Martin How a network helps Michigan institutions source and serve local food The story of how the Michigan Farm to Institution Network (MFIN) has connected food supply chain players from farmers to eaters is described in a new case study commissioned by the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. Since 2014, MFIN has brought together farmers, food processors and food suppliers with institutions like schools, early care and education settings, colleges, and hospitals to produce, source, and serve local foods. "[MFIN] has been a really powerful force in Michigan and is a really big reason why the state has been able to make strides in [Farm to Institution]. Without it, I’m not sure who exactly will be leading that effort." EXTENSION EDUCATOR The Michigan Farm to Institution Network Past, Present, Future includes data about network activities and quotes from interviews with network members. The report demonstrates the value of the network and how it developed to support institutions in meeting the 2010 Michigan Good Food Charter goal that Michigan institutions source 20% of their food products from Michigan growers, producers and processors by 2020. Individuals with a wide range of interests – including institutional food service providers, farmers, food processors and suppliers, food systems practitioners, entrepreneurs, community organizers, and students – can use this case study to learn how networks can create a space for learning, sharing and working together to help farm to institution programs grow more widely. Six themes frame the case study: Launch and Growth  Leadership and Engagement  Strategies  Impacts  Challenges  MFIN Looking Forward  Explore and share the summary and full report with your networks!  The Michigan Farm to Institution Network Past, Present, and Future For more information, contact:   Colleen Matts, matts@msu.edu Lilly Fink Shapiro, finkshap@umich.edu   This case study was commissioned by the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems and authored by an evaluation team from the University of Michigan. This work is funded by the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Since its launch, the work of MFIN has been supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the USDA Farm to School Grant Program, the Michigan Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Americana Foundation.  Please help us spread the word Forward this message and share on social media. Tag @MSUCRFS and @michiganfarmtoinstitution on Facebook and @MSUCRFS and @cultivatemi Twitter. How a network helps get local food to eaters in Michigan’s schools, early care and education settings, colleges, and hospitals. Don’t miss this just-published story of the Michigan Farm to Institution Network from @MSUCRFS and @cultivatemi. foodsystems.msu.edu/mfin-past-present-future EXPLORE foodsystems.msu.edu EMAIL CRFS@msu.edu CALL 517-353-3535 FOLLOW @MSUCRFS ‌ ‌ ‌ FOODSYSTEMS.MSU.EDU You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to one or more MSU Center for Regional Food Systems listservs or mailing lists. You can update your subscriptions by clicking the "Update Profile" link below.

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