Food System Economic Partnership

  

Retailers

Those that own and manage grocery stores, farmer’s markets, buyer cooperatives, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription farms, roadside stands, and other retail food outlets provide the “face” of the food system to public citizens, and create the environment within which people interact with food and make their selections. Retail food outlets are the primary means through which people purchase food for use at home and will play an important role in this new regional initiative.

Preliminary Vision

  • Have a working relationship directly and indirectly with family farms and agricultural entities of the region.
  • Value and meaning are added to the customer’s experience through communication of food attributes such as “from Jones’ local family farm, pasture-raised on the rolling hills of Huron Valley.”
  • Leading the public marketing campaign that encourages purchase of locally grown and produced foods, such as through demo tasting events.
  • Local sustainable foods are more accessible to people, resulting in healthier communities and customers and adding economic and social value to the urban and rural fabric of Southeast Michigan.

Current Activities

  • Local grocers and retail outlet managers have participated in strategic planning sessions.

Outputs

Who's Involved

The Food System Economic Partnership is currently seeking partners from local food retailers (grocery stores and chains) interested in marketing and retailing locally grown and produced foods! Please contact Jennifer Fike to discuss a potential partnership.

Participating county and local government officials from Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne also play an important role in representing and supporting the interests of local food distributors.

How You Can Get Involved

Contact Jennifer Fike to:

  • Join the Partnership
  • Participate in Forums
  • Contribute Funding
  • Contribute with In-kind Services

Once Involved You Can

  • Help raise awareness
  • Help recruit other local retail managers, owners, or investors
  • Share success stories
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