The Ann Arbor Local Food Festival is a free public festival celebrating the beauty and bounty of Michigan's culinary and agricultural landscapes.
When: Thursday, September 26th, 2024, 5:00-8:00 pm
Where: Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit Street)
The Office of Sustainability and Innovations, The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, and Argus Farm Stop invite you to join us for the 3rd annual Ann Arbor Local Food Festival. This event will bring together farmers, food artisans, chefs, restauranteurs, and eaters in a community celebration of the beauty and bounty of Michigan’s culinary and agricultural landscapes. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the diverse flavors of locally produced foods, hear the stories of food producers, connect to resources, and learn about opportunities to participate in our local food system.
Join us at this year’s festival to immerse yourself within Ann Arbor’s dynamic local food community! This family-friendly event will feature a variety of interactive activities, with fun for all ages! Sample local foods, purchase a meal or treat from one of our vendors, enjoy live music, play games, and connect with others in the community. Plus, try your hand at our “Compost Toss” for a chance to win prizes!
The Local Food Festival is free to attend, with food and beverages available for purchase.
Are you a business or community organization working within the local food system?
RSVP to table at the event or apply to sell your product at this year's Local Food Festival.
Local Food's Impact and Benefits
There are many reasons to buy locally grown food, including:
Local produce is often of better quality and lasts longer than produce shipped from further away. Oftentimes the produce you purchase at a farmers market was picked the day before, rather than spending days en route to the store, and additional time on the shelf. Local really makes a difference in freshness!
Local farms are often smaller in size and have growing practices that are gentler on the planet.
Buying local builds the economy and puts money directly into the hands of the farmers who grew it. Conventional grocery stores take the majority of the profits, often leaving 15% or less to go to the producer. Consignment store models often give 70% or more to the farmer, and buying directly from the farmer gets 100% of the profits back into their hands.
Buying local supports increased food security for our community. The pandemic revealed the risk of having large supply chains. Investing in the local food system helps to increase food security for our community now and in the future.
Local Food in Michigan & Washtenaw County
Did you know that Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country? Michigan is surrounded on all but one side by the Great Lakes, which causes a climatic condition known as “lake effect.” The lake effect, combined with Michigan’s sandy, fertile soils and plentiful sources of water, create favorable conditions for diverse agriculture throughout the state, making Michigan a leader in fruit and vegetable production. In fact, Michigan leads the nation in the production of several food crops, including asparagus, dry beans, squash, blueberries, and tart cherries!
More locally, in Washtenaw County the number of food producing farms is on the rise, despite a steady decline nationwide. In fact, over 1,250 farms call Washtenaw County home - many of which are small-scale, family farms that primarily grow fruits and vegetables and sell directly to consumers at farmers markets and farm stands. Many farms in Washtenaw County use organic and/or regenerative growing practices, and little to no harmful chemicals. We are fortunate to have such diverse, vibrant, and sustainable local agriculture in our communities!
Food Insecurity & Access in Washtenaw County
1 in 10 people in Washtenaw County are food insecure. That means that there are people in our neighborhoods who lack reliable, consistent access to affordable and nutritious foods. The City of Ann Arbor and many organizations in the county are working to increase food access and affordability. This can be accomplished in part by having a more robust local food system.
A healthy, well supported agricultural sector is essential for creating a sustainable and resilient local food economy, which can ensure that food security needs are met, now and in the future. Purchasing produce directly from farmers is the best way to directly support local farmers and put money back into our local community.
You can support local agriculture by visiting a farmers market, purchasing a weekly produce subscription or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) from a farmer, or visiting the farm directly to purchase your food. Shopping at a farm stop or food hub like Argus Farm Stop, where farmers get 70% of the profit on produce sold, is also a great way to support local farmers year-round.
If you find yourself or your family in need of food assistance, Food Gatherers has a list of food pantries and banks in the area, as well as times to access them. Go to the Food Gatherers website for more information on how to find free and low-cost food resources, or the Michigan Farmers Market Association’s website to learn about food assistance programs offered at local farmers markets.
Opportunities to Donate and Support Local Food
There are opportunities to donate and volunteer with many organizations pursuing a more equitable and sovereign food system right here in Washtenaw County and in Michigan at large, including:
Washtenaw County:
Fair Food Network: An organization that works to increase access to healthy foods by supporting programs, like double up food bucks, that help to make food more affordable to families facing food insecurity.
We The People Opportunity Farm: Has a mission to break the cycle of incarceration in Washtenaw County by investing in the employment and development of formerly incarcerated people through farming and community engagement.
Growing Hope: Their goal is to grow an equitable and sustainable local food system where all people are empowered to grow, sell, buy, prepare, and eat nourishing food in Ypsilanti.
Willow Run Acres: An Ypsilanti-based organization that teaches gardening and farming skills for all levels.
The Farm at Trinity Health: A hospital-based farm focused on growing a healthy community by empowering people through food, education, and relationships. Trinity offers free and low-cost farm shares for families struggling with healthy food access.
Project Grow Community Gardens: Provides residents with community garden space to grow, and resources on how to grow your own food.
Food Gatherers: A food bank and food rescue program in Washtenaw County.
Southeast Michigan:
Statewide:
Michigan Good Food Fund: Provides funding to many start-up and small farms or food ventures across the state of Michigan.
Michigan Farmers Market Association (MiFMA): A statewide organization supporting community-driven marketplaces and the farmers and vendors that participate in them.
National Young Farmers: An advocacy group committed to supporting the next generation of farmers having equitable access to land. The Michigan chapter is based out of Grand Rapids.
