Michigan Food Distribution Programs

Michigan Farm to Program Directory (NEW)

With Michigan’s growing season in full swing, remember to check out the Michigan Farm to Program Directory, a free-to-use, searchable database of both suppliers and buyers of Michigan-grown products.

This tool was developed by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and its partners to make it easier for food program operators to buy and serve Michigan fresh produce, and to help Michigan farmers and food suppliers connect with new customers.

Search the database here: https://conta.cc/4wssJQy

Need help with your profile, or registering as a buyer or supplier? User guides are available on the Resources page of the 10 Cents a Meal section of MDE's website here: https://conta.cc/3QWb30O

Contact [email protected] with questions

🍎 Registration for the 2026 Michigan Apple Crunch is now open!! 🍎
It's time to start planning a celebration of Michigan Apples in your school, early care and education site, non-profit, business, or community. The official Crunch Day is Thursday, October 15, but you can celebrate anytime in October.
Visit the Apple Crunch website to register your crunch and learn more about Michigan Apples.

https://www.michiganapples.com/kids-families/michigan-apple-crunch-day/

Looking for professional education you can fit into your schedule?

ACDA On-Demand Education offers 15+ hours of expert-developed content for professionals across USDA Foods and food distribution programs. Learn at your own pace while building practical knowledge that can support your day-to-day work and continued professional growth.

The growing catalog includes courses such as:
• Procurement 202
• Understanding CSFP
• USDA Foods 101: NSLP

Both ACDA members and non-members can participate, and member pricing is available.

Explore the catalog and find your next course: https://www.commodityfoods.org/on-demand

Call for Presentations is Now Open!
Join us at the 2027 ACDA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA, April 25–28, 2027, and share your expertise with USDA Food Program professionals from across the country!
We're accepting proposals for:
✅ Pre-Conference Workshops
✅ Breakout Sessions
✅ Round Table Discussions
Presentation topics include USDA Foods, nutrition, procurement, community feeding programs, policy updates, marketing, and more.
📅 Proposal Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026
Know someone who would make a great presenter? You can recommend a speaker, too!
Submit your proposal today and help shape the 2027 ACDA Annual Conference!

The Farmers Market at the Capitol returns July 28!

Join us on Capitol Square from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for this fun Lansing tradition. Shop for fresh Michigan produce, baked goods, flower arrangements, and more while enjoying a beautiful day at the Capitol.

We hope to see you there!

“This investment from the Good Food for Michigan Project is an incredible catalyst to help us provide more fresh, nutritious food to students, staff, and educators across our school district,” said Mike Esseily, superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools.

Good Food is thrilled to announce that Michigan’s third largest school district has become a Good Food grant recipient, furthering our mission to get more Michigan-grown and produced food served at Michigan institutions. This is an exciting development for our ongoing partnership with Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD, the Center for Good Food Purchasing and MSU Center for Regional Food Systems.

Details: https://goodfoodpurchasing.org/good-food-mi-awards-dearborn-public-schools/

How can schools successfully incorporate local beef into their meal programs?

Join the next USDA Produce Webinar Series to hear from experts and practitioners who are making local beef work in school nutrition programs. Panelists will share real-world experiences and practical guidance on:

🥩 Procuring local beef for school meals
🔍 Navigating food safety and inspection requirements
🤝 Building partnerships with local producers and processors
🎓 Exploring innovative student-led meat processing programs
📋 Understanding regulations, purchasing options, and implementation strategies

Whether you're just getting started with local procurement or looking to expand your farm-to-school efforts, this webinar will provide actionable ideas and resources to help you serve local beef safely and successfully.

📅 August 3, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM ET

Register now: https://ilearn.theicn.org/learn/courses/809/produce-webinar-series-local-beef-in-school-meals-strategies-safety-and-student-led-processing-programs-august-3rd-2026-12pm-est

What’s for lunch, Michigan?

Today, we share a tray from Charlotte High School in Charlotte Public Schools, MI in Eaton County.

What makes this tray so wonderful?

It has baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, kiwi, Michigan-grown corn on the cob, whole grain roll, strawberry cup, juice and ice cold Michigan Milk.

We thank the team at Charlotte Public Schools for serving your students great school lunches!