6 mid-Michigan business, organizations receive grant funding for agricultural improvements

Lansing, Mich (WNEM) – More than $3.8 million in grant funding has been awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to Michigan businesses and organizations.

The Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems grants will be used to support traditionally underserved businesses, as well as a supporting the cultivation of value-added agricultural processing and supply chains along with regional food systems.

Funding for the grants come by way of continued investments through Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s bipartisan budget. These grants come from state dollars and are unaffected by federal actions.

“MDARD is proud to make bold investments in Michigan’s food and agriculture industries,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These investments highlight the diverse and expansive agriculture opportunities that contribute to economic prosperity and strengthened food access across the state. We want everyone to know that Michigan is the best place for the food and agricultural industry to thrive.”

51 businesses, processors, and producers across Michigan received the grant funding. The following are a list of recipients within the TV5 viewing area, how much they will receive and what the funds will be used for:

Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen (Saginaw): $96,300 – Providing access to healthy foods and nutritional resources in individuals and communities by addressing and improving food equity
Amber Kischnick Farms LLC (Frankenmuth): $96,300 – Implementing optical and metal sorting system by using modern processing equipment
Campbell’s Creekside Farms, LLC (Owosso): $94,188 – Opening new, year-round farmers market that offers meat and produce through an on-farm retail space and delivery service
Tawas Wellness (East Tawas): $31,492 – Renovations to the commercial kitchen, creating a shared -use space where local producers can develop value-added products from crops grown locally for retail sale
Sheridan Acres (Ubly): $70,000 – Expands a small processing facility for edible beans and food-grade grains to help keep up with growing demand for heirloom dry beans along with other specialty grains
Steaks & Cupcakes LLC (Ubly): $44,145 – Introducing delivery service equipped with freezer capabilities powered by three phase electricity. It will provide a healthier, more accessible food supply and a stronger, more resilient local economy.

In total, these projects will generate 4 full-time jobs and 21 part-time jobs.

If you would like to learn more about this program and future funding availability, visit the Underserved, Value-Added, and Regional Food Systems Grants website.

Subscribe to the TV5 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every day.