Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially made October Farm to School Month in Michigan. Farm to school is a national movement that supports purchasing local food for schools and early care and education settings. “I am proud of our efforts to increase access to healthy, fresh local foods in Michigan through our Farm to School efforts,” said Governor Whitmer in the press release. “Farm to School empowers children and their families to make informed food choices and strengthens the local economy, which contributes to vibrant communities and improves the health and well-being of our kids.”

At the same time, the National Farm to School Network will be focusing their annual National Farm to School Month campaign “on expressing appreciation and amplifying underrepresented voices in order to shift power to these essential workers and create a more just food system.” Their campaign this year centers on community effort - “It Takes a Community to Feed a Community” is their motto. To learn more and get involved, go to farmtoschoolmonth.org. Nominate Community Food Champions from your community for a $500 honorarium, participate in a virtual community discussion on October 14 with Karen Washington about shifting power and building food justice, take action for change.

Check out our Serving Up Local Foods resource sheet to find Michigan Farm to School contacts around the state who can help with your efforts. Find guides, webinars, videos, and other resources at Michigan Farm to School and Michigan Farm to ECE.