By Andi Anderson
To mark the start of Michigan Apple Month and National Apple Month in October, McDonald’s of Michigan hosted a community celebration in Sparta, one of the heartlands of Michigan’s apple farming.
The event brought together state and national lawmakers, local suppliers, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and the Michigan Apple Committee to recognize the importance of Michigan’s apple industry.
Held at Green Tree Orchards in Sparta, the celebration highlighted the longstanding partnership between McDonald’s and Michigan’s apple-growing community.
Kathy Angerer, Chief of Staff at MDARD, emphasized the critical role of Michigan’s apple farmers in the state's economy and heritage.
She underscored the need to continue supporting local farmers and farm workers to ensure the continued growth of Michigan’s $104.7 million agriculture industry.
U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten, State Senator Rick Outman, and State Representative Bryan Posthumus also delivered remarks at the event, along with local officials.
Ryan Reardon, a McDonald’s Owner/Operator, expressed pride in McDonald’s commitment to sourcing locally, noting that the company purchases 14 million pounds of apples from Michigan farmers each year to provide fresh ingredients for customers.
Michigan is the second-largest apple producer in the United States, harvesting approximately 1.3 billion pounds of apples annually. This production comes from 850 family-run orchards, covering 38,000 acres of farmland.
McDonald’s U.S. Supply purchases over $160 million of ingredients from Michigan farmers every year, strengthening the connection between local agriculture and the restaurant chain.
With nearly 500 McDonald’s locations across Michigan, the company continues to play an integral role in supporting the state’s agricultural community and economy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dionisvero
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle