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Community Assistance

Spotlight Information

FARM TO FOOD NOTICE OF INTENT

Locally grown food is gaining in popularity due to its positive effects on the economic, environmental and social health of communities. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Farm to Food program is designed to assist in building stronger local food systems by providing funding opportunities to increase farmers’ markets operations. The State of Michigan is well placed to advance local food systems; it is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country, producing more than 125 different types of products.

The Farm to Food Farmers Market program is designed to promote the local consumption of produce by expanding direct producer-to-consumer opportunities. Farmers markets benefit both consumers and farmers: consumers are able to buy local, fresher food and farmers gain a larger share of the food dollar from direct sales. The funds are directed towards existing farmers markets in order to build a strong local food system.

Community Development Block Grant Farmers Market

Community Development Block Grant funds are available to non entitlement communities that are located in low and moderate income communities. The total amount of grant funds available is $1,500,000. The maximum grant award will not exceed $750,000.

To apply, please download the Notice of Intent (NOI). Complete the form electronically in Word format (no PDFs). Return the electronic NOI to CDBG@michigan.org. Include the NOI, pictures, estimates, documentation and maps as attachment(s) in the email. Print one hard copy to be signed by the local government official. Mail the signed hard copy, with printed attachments, to:

Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Community Development Block Grant
300 N. Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48913

Both NOIs, the electronic and hard copy, will be reviewed for consistency. Questions should be sent to CDBG@michigan.org or by calling 517.373.6213. You may also discuss your project with your Community Assistance Team Specialist.

NOI Attachments

Letter to Communities

WHO WE ARE

The Community Assistance Team (CATeam) was created in 2001 within the walls of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. We are charged with being a community's first point of contact within state government.

The CATeam is dedicated to helping Michigan communities; large and small, urban and rural. Our mission is to strengthen communities by ensuring access to economic development services and programs that cultivate sustainable projects that will build a strong foundation for the future of Michigan.

We accomplish this by:

Serving the distinctive needs of MEDC's Local Partners seeking assistance with community development.
Working in partnership with associations to design programs that foster a sense of place.
Facilitating access to other state agencies.

Our primary focus is to provide technical and financial assistance to Michigan's communities. We have built partnerships within MEDC, neighborhood organizations and other state agencies to facilitate the development or redevelopment of Michigan's downtowns. From support with brownfield redevelopment to Community Development Block Grant dollars, our goal is to help you prosper.

Your Community Assistance Team Specialist is your link to these services.