Sustainable Food Business Coalition

Join the Sustainable Food Business Coalition!

Are you a food business passionate about sustainability? Sign up for the SFBC today!

Welcome

The Ann Arbor Area Sustainable Food Business Coalition (SFBC) is Ann Arbor’s network of businesses and community organizations working together to advance sustainability throughout the food system. Join the Ann Arbor Area Sustainable Food Business Coalition here!

The SFBC meets quarterly, providing a space for businesses in the food system to gather and discuss sustainable food initiatives at the City and business levels. During these gatherings, SFBC members share ideas, feedback, resources, and best practices relating to business sustainability, all while forming connections with like-minded businesses. Members also have the opportunity to learn about upcoming City programs and policies and share feedback.

Facilitated by the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations, the SFBC is designed to provide tailored guidance and recognition to food businesses seeking to align their business practices with A²ZERO, Ann Arbor’s plan for achieving a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030.

Focus Areas

Waste Reduction

Supply Chain

Menu Design

Energy Usage

Water Stewardship

Frequently Asked Questions

Click the drop down arrows to learn more about the Sustainable Food Business Coalition and how its members are working together to make Ann Arbor's local food system more sustainable.

Who should join the SFBC?

If your business is involved in the production, manufacturing, distribution, sale, or serving of food, or is otherwise committed to promoting sustainability and justice within our local food system, the SFBC might be a good fit for you.

The SFBC is made up of a diverse assortment of restaurants, chefs, food artisans, farmers, grocers, non-profit organizations, and others dedicated to advancing sustainability throughout the food system.

SFBC members are not expected to commit to specific sustainable actions, as the goal of the coalition is to share knowledge and experience. We hope that participating will inspire you to take action in whichever way is the best fit for your business.

Membership in the SFBC entails that one or more representatives of your business attend quarterly meetings and are actively involved in meeting discussions. Additionally, there will be optional opportunities for in-person networking with other business owners and potential for joint fundraising to advance sustainability within the food system.

Why focus on food businesses?

Food is culture. Food is health. Food is community. Not only is high-quality food a fundamental human right, but food is also a central part of what makes the Ann Arbor community so vibrant. However, the food system is at the heart of some of the greatest environmental challenges our world faces today.

The good news is that food businesses are creative, resilient, and innovative! Food businesses already have what it takes to chart a new path forward – a path that protects our planet, ensures that every person can eat good food, and allows our business sector to flourish.

Food businesses are well-positioned to be leaders in Ann Arbor’s climate transition. In fact, many Ann Arbor area food businesses are already taking bold action to support sustainability at the business and City levels. That’s why we have created the Ann Arbor Area Sustainable Food Business Coalition (SFBC).

By leveraging the collective strength, knowledge, and experience of the food industry in Ann Arbor, we can collaborate to create sustainability solutions that really work.

Visit our Sustainable Food web page for more information on the connection between food and climate change.

How can my food business be more sustainable?

There are many ways that food businesses can increase sustainability throughout their business operations. Some of these include: reducing food and packaging waste, improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources, implementing water conservation measures, sourcing ingredients from local and regenerative farmers and producers, increasing the number of whole plant-based foods offered on menus, and more!

Join the SFBC to learn about other ways that Ann Arbor area food businesses are incorporating sustainability into their business models while protecting their bottom line.

Meg Goldwyn, Store Manager at the Argus Farm Stop Café on Packard Road. Argus Farm Stop is a proud member of the Sustainable Food Business Coalition and prioritizes sustainability and community. Image used with permission from Argus Farm Stop.

Upcoming Events

For more information about upcoming events, sign up for OSI’s newsletter, visit our Newsletter & Events webpage, or check out our calendar. With questions about upcoming food-related events or SFBC meeting schedules, please email Azella Markgraf, Sustainable Food Coordinator, at amarkgraf@a2gov.org.