Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

The first recipients of the state’s “Food-to-Family” grant program have been announced, receiving over $360,000.

Eight food hubs, located across the lower peninsula, were announced by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday.

The program was announced earlier this year, aiming to strengthen middle-of-the-supply chain agricultural food systems around the state. Funding will help deliver locally produced, healthy food to Michiganders while also offering Michigan farmers new economic opportunities, according to officials.

Farm stop awards are expected to be announced later this summer.

“We heard overwhelming feedback about the need to support local food systems during our listening tours across Michigan, so these grant awards are a tangible way we’re responding to those needs,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said. “This funding will go a long way in supporting our farmers and nonprofits that work hard to provide access to healthy food, plus we’re creating economic opportunity for producers looking to reach more Michiganders. It’s a win-win from the farm to the fork and serves as an example of what bipartisan investment can deliver for our communities.”

The recipients are:

- Holland’s Action House, who received $25,000

- Community Foundation for Muskegon County received $50,000

- Flint Fresh received $50,000

- Grow Jackson received $46,000

- Lakeshore Food Club, of Ludington, received $50,000

- Traverse City’s MI Farm Cooperative and Weinrich Farm LLC both received $50,000

- Kalamazoo Valley Community College received $40,920.

“Farm-to-Family’s investments in Michigan’s food economy infrastructure couldn’t come at a more needed time,” Brian Schorr, Executive Director of Flint Fresh Food Hub, said. “Food access remains a challenge in so many of our communities and the dollars and partnerships supporting the work of food hubs further builds resilience throughout our agricultural supply chains. The power of collaboration in the food space is paying off for Michigan farmers and Michigan consumers when they need it most.”

Officials said the recipients show the commitment the state has to further support the production of apples, asparagus, blueberries, cherries, peaches, plums, multiple vegetables and local meat. According to michigangrow.org, Michigan is the biggest grower of asparagus and tart cherries in the country.