By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan (ITCMI) have announced a new grant of nearly $925,000 to support food sovereignty and food safety in Tribal Nations across Michigan. The funding will be distributed over four years through the Tribal Food Sovereignty and Safety Project.
The project is led by ITCMI and builds on MDARD’s Farm to Family Program, which works to improve access to locally grown foods. It also expands on existing food safety education efforts by supporting training, infrastructure development, and community-led planning. The goal is to strengthen food access while respecting cultural traditions and improving long term health.
“Every community deserves access to safe, nutritious and culturally relevant foods,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan to support locally driven food security and safety initiatives across Michigan’s Tribal Nations. Together, we will continue to build food systems that promote the health and prosperity of communities throughout our state.”
“Safe, secure and sustainable food systems are the cornerstone of healthy communities," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “This exciting new project will support Michigan’s Tribal Nations as they continue investing in tools and infrastructure that promote food access, food safety and food sovereignty. I’m proud of the work MDARD is doing to improve families' access to nutritious, locally grown foods throughout our state - and I’m grateful to our partners at the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan for their support in achieving that goal.”
“On behalf of the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, we extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and MDARD for their partnership and support of the Tribal Food Sovereignty and Safety Project,” said ITCMI Executive Director Clayton Kincheloe. “This investment reflects a shared commitment to advancing safe, nutritious and culturally relevant foods within the Tribal Communities across Michigan, while strengthening sustainable, community-driven food systems that will improve the health, resilience and quality of life for the next seven generations.”
The project will support food storage, processing, and distribution infrastructure. It will also provide food safety and nutrition education, assess environmental risks, develop a mobile application for guidance on wild and foraged foods, and help align tribal, state, and national food safety standards.
Since 2019, MDARD has awarded over $250 million in grants to strengthen Michigan’s agriculture industry and food systems. Founded in 1968, ITCMI continues to advocate for programs that improve the economy, education, and quality of life for Michigan’s Native American communities.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle