Local Food & Farmers Markets
Kendra Wills and Garrett Ziegler are Community Food System Educators that serve the eight counties of Districts 5 and 7 (Allegan, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa). We offer technical assistance and/or programs on the following topics:
Information and technical assistance for local food policy councils/local food councils
Technical assistance for food service directors interested in purchasing more local food
Personalized consulting and technical assistance for food and agriculture entrepreneurs and businesses. Areas of expertise include: launching a product for retail sales, food product packaging, and starting or growing a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm
Programming and grant writing to encourage the growth of food hubs, local food processing and production
Food safety training (USDA Group GAP) and professional development for fruit and vegetable growers related to direct, retail and institutional sales
Technical assistance with local food community events and collaborations. We are particularly interested in supporting efforts that advance social justice and racial equity.
Connection to other Michigan State University resources to assist local food businesses, councils and markets
Office Location
MSU Extension at the Grand Rapid’s Downtown Market
109 Logan Ave SW, Suite B102 - Grand Rapids, MI 49503
MSUE at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Facebook Page
Contact Information
Kendra Wills
willsk@msu.edu
(616) 608-7424
Garrett Ziegler
zieglerg@msu.edu
(616) 608-7436
Valuable Local Food Resources
- MSU Center For Regional Food Systems
- Michigan Good Food Charter
- MI Farm to School
- MSU Extension Community Food Systems Page
- MSU Extension’s Cottage Food Law online resources and training
- MSU Product Center and Michigan Market Maker
- Good Food Network Food Hub Resources
- Michigan Fresh