This free event, hosted by the Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Initiative, strives to shape a future where regional food systems are resilient, equitable, and economically vibrant
Northeast Michigan’s food system takes center stage on September 9, 2026, at the 3rd Annual Northeast Michigan Regional Food Summit at UAW Black Lake Conference Center in Onaway
The free, daylong event brings together regional growers, healthcare practitioners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for building resilient local food systems and strengthening rural economies.
The summit is hosted by the Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Initiative, which is co-directed by Michigan Health Improvement Alliance (MiHIA) food systems consultants John W. Fisk and Kristine Ranger.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote & Panels: Featuring state and regional leaders discussing local agriculture, public health, and economic development.
- Breakout Sessions: Focused workshops covering regenerative livestock practices, season extension techniques, food-as-medicine initiatives, and farmers market management.
- Networking & Consultations: Midday networking opportunities alongside curbside business consulting.
- Farm Tour: An off-site tour of Bonz Beach Farms from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, showcasing hoop house production, field crops, and local farm innovations.
The Northeast Michigan Regional Food Summit is presented by the Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Initiative (NEMI-HFI), a collaborative effort focused on improving access to fresh, healthy, and locally grown food and fostering successful and viable farms. Sponsors include the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Fair Food Network, and Nifty Hoops, with additional support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, MiHIA, and the United Way of Northeast Michigan.
The full agenda and speaker details are available at: https://www.nemihfi.org/events/2026-regional-food-summit
NEMI Regional Food Summit
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., farm tour 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: UAW Black Lake Conference Center, Onaway, MI, 2000 Maxon Road, Onaway, MI 49765
Cost: Free with lunch provided
To register for this event, click here.
For questions or more information, you can email Kristine Ranger at [email protected].
The Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Initiative (NEMI-HFI) is a collaborative regional effort working to improve access to fresh, healthy, and locally grown food across rural communities. Through partnerships with schools, growers, agencies, and community organizations, NEMI-HFI supports innovative programs that strengthen local food systems, promote equity, and build food security. The initiative reaches residents across 11 counties in Northeast Michigan, creating lasting change through education, coordination, and community-driven solutions.