KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A Kalamazoo Valley Community College program that connects locally grown food to nearby schools and organizations was in the spotlight Wednesday morning, with an event featuring the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The ValleyHUB Food Hub received a Farm Stop Grant from MDARD in 2025 to improve distribution and help meet demand for locally grown, nutritious food. ValleyHUB distributes locally grown products to nearby institutions and organizations, including YWCA Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Food Innovation Center is located at 224 East Crosstown Parkway, just south of downtown Kalamazoo.
“In southwest Michigan, ValleyHUB works with nearly 40 farmers and food producers to bring more local foods to everyone from young children in day care at the YWCA to students at Kalamazoo Public School to adult learners at Kalamazoo Valley,” said Dr. Tim Boring, the director of MDARD. “We are excited to tap into our state’s rich agricultural heritage to create similar local food partnerships that connect our farmers to schools, hospitals and more through the Good Food for Michigan Project.”
The event Wednesday highlighted the successful project as a model for additional partnerships with schools, hospitals and other institutions across Michigan as part of the newly announced Good Food for Michigan Project.
State officials say the Good Food for Michigan Project complements other innovative MDARD programs focused on strengthening regional food systems. In its first year, MDARD’s Farm to Family Program has awarded more than $730,000 to support food hubs and farm stops that give Michigan producers and consumers more opportunities to sell and buy locally grown foods.
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