Growing Together: Strengthening Food Access & Education

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Growing Together is a new project focused on reducing food insecurity and increasing access to healthy local foods while building community with those already doing this work and those who want to join in. This new program is our effort to strengthen the local food system. Building on the idea that when food grows closer to home, and more people know how and where to grow and share it, everyone eats better. 

 Our overall goal is to encourage the creation of long-term plans for a community based food system that integrates every residents needs. A community based food system is the entire network that grows and moves food through our community. From farms to backyard gardens, to grocery stores, food pantries, and restaurants. Our focus is on bringing together what's going on and determining long-term goals for the future of food in Alger County.

We heard your concerns on soil health, community gardens, the distance to grocery stores, and more. We know there's a lot to learn before we take our next steps to growing more for you. So, we want to give you opportunities to tell us more about your experience with food. Growing food, buying it, driving to it. Tell us what it's like for you, if you want to join us in the garden, and what we can do to improve in our garden, and our community food system.

During 2026 and 2027 we will have a survey for any resident that would like to provide their input. You can find a link to it below if you didn't receive one by mail yet. 

We will also be hosting events throughout the county for you to come and see our findings and provide your input!  You can also find us at the Munising Farmer's Market with more information. Check the event calendar to see which Mondays we'll be there. Keep an eye on our event calendar to see where and when any other events will be occurring.

On top of that, gardening workshops are continuing in the Chatham Community Garden!