MSU Center for Regional Food Systems

05/28/2026

Power mapping is a qualitative strategic exercise that helps to determine the power dynamics and relationships within a system or community. Using this new resource from , groups can examines the power and influence of their community’s food system.

Learn more! https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/methodology-for-power-mapping

05/27/2026

Join the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan for an online, on-demand session to learn about gardening with children at your early care and education site, including how to start, low cost or repurposing of materials, engaging children in the planning and practice, and benefits for children.

🫐 Course number 189497 in MiRegistry: https://go.miregistry.org/v7/

This course rovides one credit for professional development when taken by registered providers through MiRegistry!

To view the training without MiRegistry credit, go to Gardening with Young Children via MSU MediaSpace here: https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/t/1_z76h3r5b

05/26/2026

We loved the Detroit Business of Food Summit! CRFS Associate Director, Jude Barry, and Bekah Galang, Partnership Specialist, attended the summit on May 18, to connect with partners and learn more about how to improve CRFS programming and technical assistance strategies.

“It is always great to hear more about the deep history of Detroit’s food system and food businesses, especially being in the heart of Eastern Market at the "Marrow in the Market” venue," shared Jude. "I really enjoyed listening to the panel conversations with food business owners, discussing needs for scaling up values-based food business and technical assistance."

"It was also interesting to hear Eastern Market’s Katy Trudeau and State Senator Chang discuss the impact of 10 cents and other local food incentive programs on our states producers and food businesses."

Thanks to all who participated in this crucial conversation about food businesses in Detroit and across the state!

Top photo: Katy Trudeau and State Senator Chang
Middle photo: Erin Elly, Michigan Good Food Fund, with Bekah Galang
Bottom photo: Bekah Galang and Dr. Jude Barry

Marrow in The Market

05/22/2026

CRFS assistant directors Colleen Matts and Lindsey Scalera attended the Rockwood Leadership Institute’s Art of Leadership training in Ossining, NY this month from May 11-15.

"I left this training with refined ideas, new tools and approaches I can put to work right away—from purpose and vision to partnership, emotional agility and personal ecology," said Matts. "Even better, I had the chance to deeply connect and recharge with an incredible group of social movement changemakers, advocates, funders and communicators from across the country."

A big shoutout to our fellow Michigan-based attendee, Rufino Velazquez, Senior Manager—People & Culture, of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.

Pictured from left to right: Colleen Matts, Lindsey Scalera, and Rufino Velazquez

05/21/2026

Educators from the Michigan’s Emerging Farmers team, including Bekah Galang, Naim Edwards and Christina Curell had the opportunity to learn from others at the National Urban Extension Conference in Detroit May 11-14.

Naim and Stathis Pauls presented with Ashley Vernon of the Giving Grove about a partnership between MSU Detroit Partnership in Food, Learning, and Innovation(DPFI) and Center Line Schools to install a new food forest based on the DPFLI model.

05/20/2026

KidsGardening.org is launching U.S.-based regional groups, and seeking passionate Regional Leads to bring them to life. Regional Leads play a vital role in cultivating connection, peer learning, and belonging within a designated multi-state region.

🌱 $1000 stipend for this 1-2 hours/week virtual opportunity.

Learn more here! https://community.kidsgardening.org/resources/regions/regional-lead-job-description

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Bendle Public Schools in Genesee County! Selected as the first recipient of the Good Food for Michigan Project, they will increase Michigan-grown and produced food in their schools. Through this program, they will cultivate stronger relationships with Flint Fresh Food Hub and local farmers, access capital for kitchen equipment, and seek opportunities for staff training and resources training. CRFS is proud to partner on this impactful project with Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD and Center for Good Food Purchasing!

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/good-food-for-michigan-taps-genesee-county-school-district-for-new-grant-program-to-get-more-local-food-to-students

05/19/2026

Are you supporting farm to school and early care work in Michigan? Then please join the launch of Michigan’s Farm to School and Early Care Network on June 25! 🍐🥕🫐

Whether you source local food, support classrooms and gardens, or just want to learn more, you are welcome!

📢 Register HERE! https://pears.io/events/msuext/6533/

05/19/2026

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

05/18/2026

Shipt is offering grants up to $35,000 for food hubs, nutrition education, and mobile markets.

Apply between May 11 - June 12, 2026.

Shipt’s grant program invests in nonprofits that are creating communities where all people have access to fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant food that is affordable and accessible.

05/15/2026

When 10 Cents A Meal launched as a regional pilot in 2016–2017, only two states and Washington, DC, had similar programs. By 2026, 20 states and Washington, DC had implemented LFPIs in some form, with adoption surging after 2018. Read this latest resource from MSU Center for Regional Food Systems and National Farm to School Network to see how Michigan shaped the field of local food purchase incentive programs across the county!

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/the-national-impact-of-michigans-10-cents-a-meal-program