Michigan Food Distribution Programs

A win-win-win for Michigan citizens, farmers, and local food distributors: The findings from the evaluation survey of the Michigan Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program demonstrate that investments in local supply chains can provide beneficial impacts for Michigan farmers and communities.

Explore the impacts of the LFPA program through these info sheets from !

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan-local-food-purchase-assistance-program-impact-information-sheets

🙌 BIG NEWS! Bendle Public Schools is among the first recipients of a new grant program focused on getting more locally grown food to schools, hospitals and other institutions that feed thousands of Michiganders.

🤝 The Good Food for Michigan Project is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD, Center for Good Food Purchasing and the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems. It's aimed at connecting locally grown, nutritious food to schools, hospitals and other institutions that serve meals to thousands of Michiganders every day.

More details at: https://goodfoodpurchasing.org/bendle-public-schools-mi/

It's official: whole milk is BACK in schools 🥛

Today, USDA issued the final rule implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Schools and child nutrition providers can now once again offer whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk options to help our children grow, learn, and thrive.

🔗 https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/05/08/usda-implements-president-trumps-whole-milk-healthy-kids-act

Launched in October 2022 and continuing through December 2026, the Michigan Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program partners with seven food distribution partners across Michigan. Through this program, the LFPA supplies Michigan produce, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and other products to residents.

Here is the impact of the Michigan Local Food Purchase Assistance program, by the numbers:
$21.6 million was awarded to purchase locally grown food
540+ farmers supplied produce
83 counties in Michigan participated (out of 83)

Learn more about benefits of this program for Michigan farmers, food distribution partners, and communities here! https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan-local-food-purchase-assistance-program-impact-information-sheets

Michigan Department of Education

Hello May! Fresh flavors are in full bloom 🥝🥬

RESCUE ALERT: We get asked questions about “expiration dates” a lot, but most of them don’t have anything to do with food safety. This quick guide breaks down what those labels actually mean and how long food is still good after the date. Save this post so you have it handy next time you’re deciding what stays and what goes.