In actualizing its mission of “supporting a healthy future where sustainable Michigan
farms feed Michigan people and Michigan people support these farms”, the CS Mott
Group for Sustainable Food Systems at Michigan State University (Mott Group)
partners with community groups, policy makers, researchers, growers and consumers
to innovate and catalyze a food system that demonstrates access equity, health
promotion, and sustainable practices with local vibrancy. As one of its first statewide
learning demonstrations, the Community Food Systems Project, funded at $75,000
over a two-year period through the North Central Regional Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Program (NCR
SARE PDP), enabled the Mott Group to partner with thirteen Michigan communities to
stimulate and support community approaches to lessening the distance between food
production and food consumption. This report shares the process, outcomes, and
implications for investing in this broadening scope of our food system.