LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As summer weather begins to take root in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared the month of July as “Farm to Summer Month” also in reference to all of the seasonal produce available for those in free and reduced food programs. 

“Farm to Summer provides a great opportunity to add fresh, local Michigan products to the U.S.  Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program,” said Governor Whitmer. “Providing nutritious meals to Michigan kids during the summer months will help them succeed in the next school year, and buying locally grown fruits and vegetables supports our farm families and communities – a win/win for Michigan.”

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The announcement comes just a week after the Michigan Department of Education reminded the public about the return of the Meet Up and Eat Up summer meals program. 

“All summer, children 18 and under can eat healthy, satisfying meals in their own communities at no cost. No application forms required, no registration needed, and no proof of residency asked for — just show up and enjoy a meal! All meals must be eaten at the site,” the Department of Education said. 

One can find through an interactive map where these food sites are throughout the state, which are located in areas with 50% or more of the students in the area qualifying for free or reduced price school meals according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. 

“The future of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is in the hands of younger generations, and it’s important for young Michiganders to learn about our local food and agriculture products,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said in a statement. “Summer programs that focus on teaching healthy habits and highlighting Michigan-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, combined with supplying healthy, fresh and nutritious meals to kids, will ensure a bright future for Michigan’s food and agricultural industry.”

Michigan’s agriculture workforce employs roughly 17% of the state’s total workforce, and contributes more than $104 billion to the state’s economy.  A large portion of that comes from the state’s high production of a variety of foods including dry black beans, dry cranberry beans, tart cherries, asparagus, cucumbers, dry navy beans, squash, and dry small red beans, and ranking high in the production of blueberries, summer squash, bell peppers, peaches, carrots, celery, sweet cherries, apples, fresh sweet corn, and many other specialty crops.