July 2023: Michigan Farm to Summer Month

WHEREAS, Farm to Summer celebrates Michigan local foods and agriculture products allowing Michiganders the opportunity to consume healthy, fresh, seasonal produce and other local fresh products; and,

WHEREAS, Farm to Summer allows early childcare education programs, schools, and non-school sponsors of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Meals Program to create menus using fresh, locally grown Michigan products and serve kids local food at meal sites providing nutritious meals; and,

WHEREAS, Farm to Summer increases hands-on learning opportunities, including school gardens, on-farm visits, hosting farmer visits at meal sites, and taste testing of Michigan-grown produce, to increase consumption of healthy foods and increase understanding of where food comes from; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan’s Farm to Summer encourages a collaborative relationship between state agencies, community partners, academia, farmers, and food programs across the state, working together to achieve common goals and lift up children and families in a fair, equitable, inclusive, and just way, helping all communities thrive; and,

WHEREAS, The 10 Cents a Meal Program provides grants for the purchase of local, minimally processed fruits, vegetables, and dry beans to be served to children in child nutrition programs; and,

WHEREAS, Ninety-nine percent of Michigan’s 42,000 farms are family owned and our farmers take pride in providing high-quality, great-tasting products from the more than 300 agricultural commodities produced on a commercial basis in our state, making Michigan one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan leads the nation in the production of asparagus, dry beans, cucumbers, tart cherries, and squash, and also ranks high in the production of blueberries, summer squash, bell peppers, peaches, carrots, celery, sweet cherries, fresh sweet corn, and dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt; and,

WHEREAS, During Farm to Summer, fresh, healthy, local foods are sourced from Michigan farmers and producers, farmer cooperatives, farmers markets, food hubs, grocers, food service management companies and distributors, supporting local economies and nearby communities; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan residents have an increased interest in where their food comes from, supporting regional and local food systems, and increasing the number of local food opportunities for consumers and businesses across Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan’s food and agriculture sector employs over 805,000 people, about 17 percent of the state’s workforce, and contributes more than $104.7 billion to the state's economy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 2023 as Michigan Farm to Summer Month.