January 27, 2025

Michigan Good Food Fund Announces Latest Seed Award Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Michigan Good Food Fund Announces Latest Seed Award Winners DETROIT, MI –…

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michigan Good Food Fund Announces Latest Seed Award Winners

DETROIT, MI – January 28, 2025 – Michigan Good Food Fund is proud to unveil the recipients of its latest Seed Awards, supporting 18 exceptional Michigan-based food and farm businesses making meaningful impacts in their communities. This seed (grant) funding exemplifies Michigan Good Food Fund’s commitment to fostering the growth of Michigan’s food and farm businesses and preparing them for financing opportunities. Awardees were chosen based on their proposed use of funds and furthering healthy food access, job creation, racial equity, and resilient innovative practices within the state’s food systems.

Chosen from a competitive pool of 250 applicants, the selected businesses will share nearly $250,000 in grant funding, allocated strategically across Michigan’s regions to bolster the local food and farm economy. This year’s winners include a diverse range of growers and food distributors—from sustainable farms to innovative food businesses—underscoring the dedication of Michigan’s entrepreneurs to creating thriving, equitable food communities.

“The Seed Awards celebrate the creativity and resilience of Michigan’s food and farm entrepreneurs. Our 18 awardees exemplify our mission to create opportunities for underrepresented business owners, advance racial equity, and strengthen Michigan’s food systems,” said Aaron Jackson, program director of Michigan Good Food Fund. “By investing in these visionary businesses, we contribute to the growth of local economies and work toward a healthier, more equitable future for all Michiganders. We’re also thrilled to announce two additional funding rounds coming in 2025.”

Businesses like Frazier’s Fish House, Jere Farms, and Three Dogs Seed Farm are making strides in providing fresh, locally sourced food to their communities. Other recipients such as Anavery Fine Foods, Danu Hof, and Moore Garden & Farm embody resilience and creativity in food production and distribution. Good Stead Farm, Agape Organic Farm, and Hongo x Hongo Farm continue to drive sustainable agriculture practices, while Emery Foods, Sommerfeldt Farm, and Deeply Rooted Produce highlight the vital role of community-oriented enterprises. Detroit-based organizations like Detroit Hives and Fennigan’s Farms are committed to urban food production, and innovative ventures like Goodpluck, Ohana Gardens, the JOYproject Growers, and Treetop Grows Farm represent a new wave of inspired leadership and growth in Michigan’s food ecosystem.

The grant funding has been distributed as follows:

  • $40,000 – Northern Michigan (Upper Peninsula)
  • $20,000 – Northwest Michigan
  • $5,000 – West Michigan
  • $17,198 – East Central Michigan
  • $33,000 – South Central Michigan
  • $28,250 – Southwest Michigan
  • $102,410 – Detroit Metro

“It’s exciting to see this diverse group of businesses positioned to make meaningful impacts in their communities,” commented Tony Vu, Michigan Good Food Fund Stakeholder Board Chair. “We can’t wait to see their continued growth.”

The Seed Awards remain a cornerstone of Michigan Good Food Fund’s efforts to build a resilient and equitable food system, addressing systemic barriers and expanding opportunities for Michigan’s food and farm entrepreneurs. A new round of Seed Awards is anticipated later this year, providing ongoing support to innovative ventures in the food and farm space.

About Michigan Good Food Fund

Michigan Good Food Fund invests in food and farm entrepreneurs statewide, offering flexible financing and tailored business assistance to support vibrant, equitable communities. By addressing systemic inequities, the fund focuses on entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers to accessing power and capital due to race, ethnicity, and gender. Guided by its Stakeholder Board of diverse leaders, the Michigan Good Food Fund is committed to building a resilient, inclusive food industry in Michigan.

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