Granholm proclaims May 16-22 'Local Foods Week'
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has issued a proclamation making the week of May 16-22 "Local Foods Week" to encourage schools, restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions to look for and use Michigan-grown and -produced foods on their menus, helping to create new markets for Michigan farmers and providing a fresher, healthier alternative for the state's school children.
"Local foods are fresher, taste better and retain more of their nutrients," Granholm said. "Buying local foods supports Michigan farmers and strengthens our food and agriculture industry which contributes more than $70 billion annually to the state's economy. I encourage schools, restaurants and cafeterias to add a taste of Michigan to their menus."
"The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) encourages the inclusion of Michigan's agri-food products in every aspect of how we eat, whether it is at home or out for a meal. We continue to do what we can to support local purchases by Michigan schools, restaurants, and more," said MDA Director Don Koivisto in a news release.
"By choosing to add some of the 200 fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products grown, harvested, and processed in Michigan, you are helping to create and retain thousands of jobs in the growing ag sector, he said.
As part of the Michigan Farm to School movement, MDA is sponsoring the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Detroit May 17-19. During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about initiatives involving farmers; pre-school, K-12 and childcare facilities; hospitals; colleges; prisons; and other institutions.
Local food hinges on MDA budget
The news release Favorable MDA budget passes Senate; House approval sought next makes reference to the Governor's proclamation. Here's an excerpt.
As budget negotiations press on, MFB hopes elected leaders will see the Senate bill as reasonable considering MDA helps protect Michigan's citizens on a daily basis at the low cost of only 2 cents a day per person and the department's services are essential to the agriculture-related businesses which are helping to drive Michigan's economic turnaround.
"The Governor herself recently proclaimed a 'Local Foods Week' for the state, encouraging schools, restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions to look for and use Michigan-grown and -produced foods on their menus. This is a great push for Michigan but access to local food hinges on MDA having an adequate budget to do its job. Continuous cuts to MDA's budget jeopardize our state's ability to provide citizens with local food," said Tonia Ritter, manager of the MFB State Governmental Affairs Department.
