From groceries and corner stores to farmers markets and farm stands, food businesses of all shapes and sizes stepped up and were recognized as the essential works they are. Along the way, they also demonstrated that a more resilient food system includes elements rooted in place — from farm to fork.
From farmers markets…
Deemed essential in states across the country, farmers markets quickly pivoted to keep customers safe and provide a steady market for farmers while other revenue streams dried up as a result of the pandemic. By accepting food assistance and programs like Double Up, markets also helped families experiencing hunger stretch shrinking budgets for fresh, healthy food.
“This May, we allowed a farmer to carry an array of fresh produce at our market…the demand for fresh produce was very high and customers were taking advantage of our curbside pickup.
So although not all of his items were Michigan grown, it really helped out our SNAP customers. May was a very difficult month for everyone due to the pandemic, so for our market to offer such a large variety of items to the public was a huge success that really kept our market in the spotlight.”
To corner stores…
In Detroit, we worked with local store Marcus Market as part of a neighborhood grocery training. This corner store had been known for grab-and-go groceries, liquor, and an in-house taco stand, but they were eager to bring in fresh produce.
The result?
Marcus Market swapped an entire section of its liquor wall with a cooler and display full of fruits and vegetables and other fresh offerings. Check out the striking before and after photos.
