MDARD Deputy Director Tours Flint's Fresh Food Initiatives

Kathy Angerer, the Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), recently visited Flint to tour several initiatives aimed at ensuring that residents have easy access to fresh and nutritious produce.

In Flint, several organizations are dedicated to enhancing access to fresh produce for the local community. These organizations include the Flint Farmers' Market, Flint Food Works, and Flint Fresh.

The Flint Farmers' Market is a year-round public marketplace that offers a diverse range of products, including fresh produce and locally baked goods. It's a bustling shopping destination known for its vibrant atmosphere and its commitment to sustainable farming practices, featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Flint Food Works serves as a culinary business incubator, providing aspiring food-based entrepreneurs with the resources they need to launch their businesses. This incubator offers a space for these businesses to create their products, refine their recipes, and develop sustainable business models, ultimately contributing to job creation and expanding the availability of fresh food in the community.

Flint Fresh operates as a Food Hub, ensuring that residents of Flint and Genesee County have access to healthy fruits and vegetables. Beyond their Food Hub operations, they run a mobile market that reaches neighborhoods, delivering boxes of fresh vegetables to those who may face challenges in accessing fresh produce. Additionally, Flint Fresh participates in a Prescriptions for Health Program, allowing Flint residents to receive prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their healthcare.

These organizations are collectively addressing the challenge of improving access to fresh produce in Flint through various approaches. The Flint Farmers' Market provides a convenient and affordable option for residents to purchase fresh produce. Flint Food Works supports the growth of food-based businesses, leading to job opportunities and increased availability of fresh food. Flint Fresh ensures that even those facing financial constraints can obtain the essential nutrition found in fresh fruits and vegetables.

The collaborative efforts of these organizations are pivotal in enhancing the overall health and well-being of Flint's residents. Access to fresh produce is crucial for maintaining good health, yet affordability remains a barrier for many. These organizations are breaking down those barriers, making it possible for more people in Flint to enjoy the benefits of healthy eating.
 

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