Senator Stabenow Announces Support for Detroit’s Eastern Market, Local Food Processing in Southeast Michigan

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, announced $250,000 for Detroit’s Eastern Market and $100,000 for Mighty Fine Poultry Processing in Ann Arbor to expand access to healthy foods and locally grown poultry in the region. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs, which help expand access to locally grown food from farmers markets and food processing facilities.

"When we grow things here and make things here, we create jobs here in Michigan," said Senator Stabenow. "Supporting farmers markets and regional food processers makes it easier for families and businesses to buy local, which is a win for our economy and Michigan agriculture."

Support for the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs was greatly expanded in the 2014 Farm Bill, which was authored by Senator Stabenow and signed into law by President Obama in Michigan last year. These grant programs help improve and expand farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.

Project details below:

Eastern Market will receive $250,000 to help expand access to healthy, nutritious foods and to provide information to people about the benefits of incorporating fresh nutritious food into their diets.

Mighty Fine Poultry Processing, LLC in Ann Arbor will receive $100,000 to design a poultry processing and distribution facility in Southeast Michigan, with a goal of developing new market opportunities for local poultry producers and increasing the consumption of locally grown poultry.

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