MDARD Partners with Detroit Food Policy Council to Strengthen Urban Ag Local Food Access

LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a $494,960 grant to support the Detroit Food Policy Council (DFPC) in its work to enhance agricultural education, provide technical assistance to urban farmers, increase local food access and reduce food waste.

"MDARD and the Detroit Food Policy Council are partnering to build more resilient and sustainable food systems in Southeast Michigan,"  said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "This grant will help Detroit maintain its status a national leader in urban agriculture while creating new opportunities for growers, increasing families'  access to local foods in underserved areas and improving quality of life for city residents."

"This investment provides an exciting opportunity for the Detroit Food Policy Council to strengthen the work already happening across Detroit's food system,"  said Lanay Gilbert-Williams, DFPC Executive Director. "These initiatives will expand community knowledge, support neighborhood-based solutions, inform local food policy and strengthen the partnerships that help build a more resilient food system. We're grateful for MDARD's partnership and excited to get to work."

Among other initiatives, the DFPC will use the new grant funding to:

1. Expand Food Access Through Local Food Hubs

DFPC and its partners seek to distribute over one million pounds of food annually through a network of neighborhood-based food hubs. This effort will help provide meals to more than 2,500 Detroit residents annually while supporting local food businesses and creating new jobs.

2. Strengthen Agriculture Education

DFPC will create an Animal Guild to provide education and technical assistance related to Detroit's animal husbandry ordinances. The guild will also serve as a liaison between animal keepers, beekeepers, residents and city departments.

3. Improve Urban Agriculture Policies

DFPC s Farmer Policy Group will continue to develop and promote policies that support urban agriculture.

4. Grow the Detroit Community Composting Collaborative Program

DFPC will build on two successful pilot projects in 2025 to divert 36,000 pounds of food waste to 14 large urban farms and more than 200 home composters annually.

Established by the Detroit City Council in 2009, the DFPC brings together residents, growers, organizations, institutions, businesses and public agencies to strengthen Detroit's food system. By connecting partners, building capacity, advancing policy and fostering collaboration, DFPC develops community-driven solutions that promote food security, food justice and food sovereignty throughout Detroit.

The goals of the grant to DFPC align with MDARD's ongoing work through the Farm to Family Program and the Good Food for Michigan Project. These innovative programs are creating new market opportunities for Michigan farmers while increasing Michiganders'  access to nutritious, locally grown foods.

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