The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announces plans to award $2,000,589 to Michigan farmers to expand access to locally raised food.
In May, MDARD shared it will award $2,000,589 to 16 farms and six food access organizations across the state to improve transportation infrastructure and help move Michigan-grown food from the field to the dining table.
“The Last Food Mile grant program invests in refrigerated transportation that will safely and reliably move more Michigan-grown foods from farm to market by addressing gaps in food distribution networks,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring.
In the Upper Peninsula, two farms will receive more than $200,000 combined. Both recipients have built upon Houghton County’s agricultural heritage.
Ghost House Farm near Boston will use $100,969 to purchase a refrigerated van and low-till equipment to expand their delivery capacity.
The Boersma Family Farm in Calumet will use $101,000 to purchase a refrigerated van to help deliver ingredients to local school food programs, Meals on Wheels and local restaurants in the western Upper Peninsula.
The grants represent a significant investment in regional food systems, helping bridge the gap between local producers and consumers. The program addresses critical infrastructure needs that often prevent small farms from reaching broader markets.
Learn more about the MDARD Last Food Mile grant awards online.
