Community food systems will only thrive with quality communication between farmers and consumers
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EmailBuilding communication channels across the food supply chain will help push local food system development. Upcoming events hope to bridge the gap.
Any efforts to develop a strong local food system must be rooted in quality communication between the various groups that have a stake in its success. This should include community organizations, businesses, and individuals who are involved in aspects of the food value chain, from production to distribution to waste management and everything in between.
Attempts are being made to develop stronger relationships between various stakeholders, and to foster greater communication and planning. Michigan State University Extension is working with MSU’s Center for Regional Food Systems to develop a series of meet-and-greet events across the state. These events will bring farmers (producers), distributors and purchasers together. When farmers are able to engage one-on-one with the people and businesses that are receiving their food they are better able to understand everyone’s needs. These events help purchasers to better understand where their food comes from and better know their regional and local farmers. This open line of communication may require some extra work on the part of both farmers and food purchasers but the results can be well worth it.
Two meet-and-greet events will be held in the coming days in Detroit and Battle Creek, Mich.; see details below.
Detroit Farm to Institution Meet & Greet
Offered in partnership with Food System Economic Partnership (FSEP), Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), and Detroit Eastern Market Corporation
Tuesday, March 5, 2:30-4 p.m.
The Atrium of the Faculty Administrative Building
Wayne State University
656 Reuther Mall, Detroit
RSVP to Colleen Matts, MSU CRFS at matts@anr.msu.edu or Michaelle Rehmann, FSEP, at rehmannm@fsepmichigan.org by Friday, March 1.
Battle Creek Farm to Institution Information Session
Offered in partnership with Good Food BC
Wednesday, March 6, 5-7 p.m.
Burnham Brook Community Center
200 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek
RSVP to Colleen Matts, MSU CRFS at matts@anr.msu.edu or Cheryl Danley, MSU CRFS, at danleych@msu.edu by Thursday, Feb. 28.
If you would like more information about how a meet-and-greet event could help improve the local food system in your area, contact Garrett Ziegler with MSU Extension at zieglerg@anr.msu.edu or Colleen Matts with MSU CRFS at matts@anr.msu.edu.
