MDARD Awards More Than $340K to Farm Stops

Funding will increase access to locally grown food, support family farms

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced the latest recipients in its Food Hub and Farm Stops grant program, which is the state’s first-ever program aimed at strengthening Michigan’s middle-of-the-supply-chain agri-food systems. 

Nearly $342,000 is being awarded to seven businesses and non-profit organizations that operate as farm stops, which procure local food from local farmers in Michigan. In May, MDARD awarded $361,920 to food hubs. The grant program was announced earlier this year and is administered through MDARD’s Farm to Family Program.

“Farm stops strengthen our food system by giving Michigan farmers and consumers more opportunities to buy and sell locally,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Today’s Farm Stop grants will help bring healthy, locally grown produce and locally raised meat to Michigan communities, complementing MDARD’s investments in eight food hubs earlier this year. At MDARD, we’re committed to bettering the lives of all Michiganders. These investments will go a long way in delivering for communities.” 

Following a rigorous evaluation process, MDARD awarded Farm Stop grants to the following entities: 

• Ark Companies - $50,000 - Charlotte
• Boulangerie 9 LLC - $49,000 - Suttons Bay  
• Barry Community Foundation - $50,000 - Hastings  
• Coveyou Scenic Farm - $48,594 - Petoskey  
• Lakeview Hill Organic Farm LLC - $49,992 - Traverse City  
• Lively Holdings, LLC - $50,000 - Maple City  
• YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids - $44,000 - Grand Rapids  

These projects range from retail community grocery store expansion to cold storage upgrades to making it easier for senior citizens and individuals with mobility barriers to access fresh vegetables, in addition to other activities and infrastructure. 

BACKGROUND ON FARM TO FAMILY 

Launched in Fiscal Year 2025 thanks to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's bipartisan budget, Farm to Family is an innovative program that offers grants, networking opportunities, and marketing consultations for farmers, food businesses, and others in local food supply chains. Community engagement is at the heart of the program’s development and activities, responding to input and identified gaps and opportunities shared by farmers, consumers, and others committed to keeping local, healthy food on tables across Michigan. 

Since Governor Gretchen Whitmer took office, MDARD has awarded more than $184 million in grant funds to support Michigan’s agricultural sector and local communities, ensure food safety, protect the environment, promote agricultural prosperity and create jobs. This funding includes more than $10.3 million to support rural development projects, more than $7.6 million of grants to strengthen regional food systems and more than $5.7 million of investments in food and agriculture businesses.

Photos from two food hub establishments, which received grants in May, can be found here for use. Please lift the caption and credit MDARD for publication. 

###