We all know there is nothing quite like enjoying local, Michigan-grown foods! Despite how delicious they are, sometimes it can be difficult for people facing hunger to access these fresh foods due to tight budgets, high expenses and needing to use resources toward other essentials.
An exciting opportunity we have recently been a part of is the Local Food Purchase Agreement (LFPA). Through the LFPA, the Michigan Department of Education seeks to purchase and distribute locally grown, produced and processed food from disadvantaged producers. The funds given to food banks like us are helping increase the consumption of local food and building and expanding economic opportunities for local and underserved producers, farmers and ranchers.
This supports Feeding America West Michigan in our distribution of foods unique to our region to the millions of people that we serve! Through the LFPA, we have access to a greater availability of diverse Michigan products such as asparagus, parsnips, radishes, lake trout, potatoes, spinach, chicken, apples and much more. All of these items are fresh, nutritious and sourced locally!
The value of providing neighbors in need with locally sourced foods, such as potatoes and lake trout from the Upper Peninsula directly to those that live in the UP, is significant. It offers communities a sense of pride to know they are supporting their local agriculture industries, and brings joy in knowing there is increased access to the products made from the hard work of people in their community.
Green Wagon Farm in Ada grows over 60 crops on their 18 acres of farmland. Thanks to the LFPA, we were able to purchase a variety of their fresh produce, like spring mix and radishes, and distribute it to families in need.
Heather, the owner of Green Wagon Farm, showed us around and shared the passion behind their work. Everyone on the farm’s small staff is dedicated to providing the best quality products, all of which are shared with the community through their year-round CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), on-site farm stand, farmers markets and local grocers.
“The LFPA made it possible for us to sell you the surplus produce that we had already put the labor in to harvest and prepare but weren’t able to sell otherwise. We know our community values knowing who they’re getting their food from, so being able to provide food locally allows us to build trust and ensures people are getting a high-quality product.”
Green Wagon Farm is certified organic, which showcases their intentionality behind upholding the integrity of the water, soil, air and creatures under their care. They utilize a variety of tools and techniques to make their processes efficient, as well as put practices into place that help protect the environment, like tarping the land, using insect nets and rotating crops.
“After harvesting, instead of tilling up the land, disturbing the root structure and releasing carbon, we put a tarp on it and leave the residue there and the soil thrives. Then we plant again according to our rotation schedule! And because we’re organic, we don’t just spray everything, we use insect nets in addition to plant-based sprays to physically exclude bugs and that works really wonderfully. We manage by crop rotating as well so we’re not building up the same pests and diseases in one area.”
Green Wagon Farm is just one example of the incredible agricultural work taking place across our service area. Being able to collaborate with so many farms, ranches and producers to connect our community with a variety of nutritious food is beneficial for everyone involved.
The LFPA is making food systems stronger and more equitable as well as improving food security. Together, we are reducing food waste, supporting Michigan growers and increasing access to fresh foods.