Support for our Food System during COVID-19
Local Food
Sources for Local Food
see below |
Restaurant and Food Service
Support for Food Service
|
School Food Programs
Lansing Area School Districts
|
Supporting Farmers and Local Food Businesses through COVID-19
Favior Fresh Produce roadside farmstand
This article is being updated frequently. If you know of another point of sale not included, please email harperab@msu.edu
The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted life as usual for many of us. It is hard to know when life will go back to normal, and what that normalcy might look like. In the meantime, local farmers are busy making sure our local and regional food systems still thrive and continuing to implement their high food safety standards and transparent production systems.
Buying locally often reduces the number of hands that come into contact with your food, and many farmers are offering new options to help address social distancing encouragement. All that, plus access to healthy local food makes sure our communities thrive economically.
Times like these are a reminder of the benefits of a diversified food system that includes a strong regional food system: local producers have thriving businesses that can sustain communities, local farm businesses have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our economy, and strong community connections can help make sure we take care of those most vulnerable. The more we are able to contribute to and depend on our local food system, the more resilient we are in times of crisis.
Many farmers have lost essential customers from the closures of restaurants, schools, and some farmers markets. Below is a list of ways you can continue to support our local farm community throughout the coming weeks and months so that we are all working together to limit the spread of disease and keep each other safe and healthy.
Farmers markets and local food markets: While many farmers markets have closed, several remain open recognizing they are often considered essential points of food access. Likewise, there are still points of purchase for local food in area markets and at farm stands. Below is a list of those currently open and taking extra caution to prevent exposure to the Novel Coronavirus.
Purchasing directly from farmers: Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) programs are subscription programs to local farms, and are a great way to support farmers throughout the year and access year-round local food. Many farmers operating CSA’s have adapted to offer more delivery and socially distant pick up to provide options for consumers. Other farms still are operating farm stands with additional precautions based on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
- Credit to MSU Extention
The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted life as usual for many of us. It is hard to know when life will go back to normal, and what that normalcy might look like. In the meantime, local farmers are busy making sure our local and regional food systems still thrive and continuing to implement their high food safety standards and transparent production systems.
Buying locally often reduces the number of hands that come into contact with your food, and many farmers are offering new options to help address social distancing encouragement. All that, plus access to healthy local food makes sure our communities thrive economically.
Times like these are a reminder of the benefits of a diversified food system that includes a strong regional food system: local producers have thriving businesses that can sustain communities, local farm businesses have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our economy, and strong community connections can help make sure we take care of those most vulnerable. The more we are able to contribute to and depend on our local food system, the more resilient we are in times of crisis.
Many farmers have lost essential customers from the closures of restaurants, schools, and some farmers markets. Below is a list of ways you can continue to support our local farm community throughout the coming weeks and months so that we are all working together to limit the spread of disease and keep each other safe and healthy.
Farmers markets and local food markets: While many farmers markets have closed, several remain open recognizing they are often considered essential points of food access. Likewise, there are still points of purchase for local food in area markets and at farm stands. Below is a list of those currently open and taking extra caution to prevent exposure to the Novel Coronavirus.
- Allen Farmers Market in Lansing is moving vendors outside for the remainder of its winter season, limiting the number of attendees at given times, and taking extra precautions to limit contact; Wednesdays 3:00 - 6:30, 1629 East Kalamazoo St., Lansing
- LFA Farmers Market is a retail store with locations in Mason and Williamston that sells locally produced food and crafts. They remain open with additional precautions. Mason location open Tuesday – Sunday, 103 E. Maple St, Mason; Williamston location open 7-days a week, 110 E. Grand River Ave
- So far, Farmers Markets are considered part of Essential Services and allowed to remain open along with grocery stores and other food markets. Some have chosen to close on their own. As the season progresses and more farmers markets start their regular outdoor markets, we will continue to update you on those that open.
Purchasing directly from farmers: Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) programs are subscription programs to local farms, and are a great way to support farmers throughout the year and access year-round local food. Many farmers operating CSA’s have adapted to offer more delivery and socially distant pick up to provide options for consumers. Other farms still are operating farm stands with additional precautions based on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
- CSAs that offer pickup throughout the tri-county area: Titus Farms, the MSU Student Organic Farm, Owosso Organics, Magnolia Farms, Highwater Farms, ANC Veggie Box, Ham Sweet Farm, Monroe Family Organics, Ten Hens Farm, Wildflower Eco Farm, Hillcrest Farms, Agape Organics, Firefly Ridge CSA and Faivor Fresh Produce all offer seasonal and/or year-round CSAs, many with optional delivery.
- Local Meat: Trillium Wood Farm, Ham Sweet Farm, and Circle F Ranch offer delivery of locally raised, frozen meat throughout the tri-county area. Laetus Pullus Farm is available for pick-up or arranged meet-up.
- Farm Stands: Swallowtail Farm in Mason offers pickup at their farmstand Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm – 7 pm, and will meet you at your car to drop off. 1633 Hagadorn Rd. Mason
- Titus Farms is partnering with other producers to offer an online purchasing space for local vegetables, eggs, kombucha, bread, and other products.
- Lansing based Highwater Farms has initiated online ordering and drop off for their early season produce.
- Credit to MSU Extention