As reported by WPBN-TV (Traverse City, MI), WGTQ-TV (Traverse City, MI), and WWMT-TV (Kalamazoo, MI), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking farmers to sign onto an initiative to sell their produce to schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

Unveiled at the State Capitol Farmers Market, the Good Food for Michigan Pledge seeks to boost interest in cafeterias for buying locally grown food. Supporters of this plan say the effort would support Michigan farmers by increasing demand for their products and expanding their markets. They also say the partnership could make Michigan’s economy, food systems, and communities healthier and more resilient.