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PHOTO RELEASE: MDARD Chief of Staff Kathy Angerer Unveils 2024 Michigan Agriculture Magazine at Kids’ Food Basket in Grand Rapids
February 29, 2024
The Michigan Agriculture magazine is a unique guide to Michigan’s farms, forests and food
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Chief of Staff Kathy Angerer celebrated the release of the 2024 Michigan Agriculture Magazine and toured Kids’ Food Basket to understand better how this local organization addresses food insecurities within the Grand Rapids area.
The Michigan Agriculture magazine is a guide to Michigan’s farms, forests, food, and exports. It features stories about the state’s top crops, environmental innovation, livestock, agribusinesses, tourism, food safety, local products, and more. The on-site farm at Kids’ Food Basket is featured as this year’s cover image.
"The 2024 Michigan Agriculture magazine celebrates what makes Michigan food and agriculture so unique and how we're recognized as a national powerhouse," said Angerer. "As Governor Whitmer says, 'everyone in Michigan has a story.' This magazine tells the story of where Michigan's food and agriculture industry is today and the path forward as we embrace climate-smart practices and groundbreaking innovations."
“Michigan Agriculture Magazine is an annual publication that celebrates the rich heritage we continue to have in Michigan. Whether you’re in urban locations like Grand Rapids or Detroit or rural places across the state, Michigan has as all aspects of the value chain from production agriculture to processing to packaging and consumption. Agriculture in Michigan doesn’t just feed us, it’s an integral part of the social fabric of our communities,” said Stephen Wooden, Kent County Commissioner.
“Michigan Agriculture Magazine welcomes us into the exciting world of farming in the Great Lakes State by showcasing some of the products, businesses and innovators that make Michigan such an intriguing destination and agricultural powerhouse," said Janice Benson, Executive Director, Michigan Agritourism.
“Michigan Agriculture Magazine provides a captivating window into our state's rich agricultural offerings,” states Susan Estler, President of the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus. “This publication offers readers a unique perspective into the lives of the individuals, businesses, and communities shaping our state’s agricultural landscape, not only celebrating our traditions and innovations but also showcasing how integral they are to our state's identity and economy.”
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The Kids’ Food Basket aims to pursue a hunger-free West Michigan in a way that promotes the experiences and passion of the local community. At Kids’ Food Basket, they believe healthy food is a right, not a privilege, for every child in Michigan.
“Addressing food insecurity across Michigan is a major priority for Governor Whitmer, as outlined in her most recent budget recommendation. Nutrition is a universal building block for Michiganders, whether adults or young children learning in the classroom. The first step begins with local agriculture,” added Angerer. “Organizations like Kids Food Basket is an example of how our local communities are stepping up to help close food insecurity gaps.”
The program began by providing 125 students at three schools in Kent County with nourishing evening meals in a brown bag, which they called Sack Suppers. Nearly 20 years later, thanks to the support of a diverse range of community partners, they have grown to now serve thousands of children and families in four counties throughout West Michigan every day.



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