McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm provides fresh and affordable food, farming and nutrition education, and youth employment opportunities in downtown Muskegon.
ACCESS TO FRESH FOOD IN CORE-CITY MUSKEGON
The number of people in Muskegon with unreliable access to healthy food--called food insecurity--was decreasing in the years leading up to the novel coronavirus. In 2018, Feeding America reported that 14.1% of people in Muskegon County were food insecure, down from 14.8% in 2016. As the economic impact of the novel coronavirus continues to play out, Feeding America projects increased food insecurity in Muskegon.
McLaughlin Grows, located at 175 E Larch Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442 provides fresh, local, affordable food where insecurity is highest. You can access McLaughlin Grows produce through:
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a program utilized by small farmers around the world, stemming from the basic ideas of communal support and shared risk.
By purchasing a CSA share, you support your local food system and sustainable land practices, and in return, receive fresh seasonal produce on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during our growing season. (June - October).
Neighbors using SNAP benefits pay a discounted rate for a box of fresh fruits and vegetables. No advanced payment is required, though we do require you to sign up for the program. This program only accepts Bridge cards as a form of payment. You pay with your Bridge Card when you pick up your food.
Muskegon Farmers Market Vendor
May – November, Saturdays 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m
Free Food Farm Stands
During the summer at the Leahy site. Announced via social media.
Free Food Forest
A walkable space with free u-pick produce. Located at the Leahy site.
Muskegon Prescribes Food for Health
Hackley Community Care physicians refer patients to this program. Participants receive vouchers for fresh produce at McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm for 12 weeks of fresh food. This is paired with Cooking & Nutritional classes with the Food & Farm Educator.
OR stop by the farm! Email Tristan at farmmanager@communityencompass.org to make sure someone is there to greet you and show you around.
Follow us on the McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm Facebook page.
Another year in the rear-view mirror. A chance to reflect and consider: What did we do best in 2020, that year marked by so much change? What did we learn about ourselves, our community, our human fragility and our resilience? What will we take with us into 2021?