This free event brings Northeast Michigan together to strengthen local food systems
The future of Northeast Michigan’s food system will take center stage at the 2nd Annual Northeast Michigan Food Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Eagle Point Plaza in Hale.
Organizers say the free, daylong event will bring together farmers, food producers, health professionals, educators, and community leaders from across the region. The goal is to spark collaborations, highlight successful models, and strengthen connections between health, the economy and local food.
The summit is hosted by the Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Initiative, which is co-directed by Michigan Health Improvement Alliance food systems consultants John W. Fisk and Kristine Ranger.
A keynote plenary panel will feature state and regional leaders working at the forefront of food systems change, including representatives from MSU’s Center for Regional Food System Farm to Institution team, ReGrow Together, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lively NeighborFood Market, and Rogers City Farmers Market. Panelists will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the region and how communities are finding innovative ways to respond.
In addition to the plenary, attendees can choose from a series of breakout sessions that dive deeper into specific strategies. Topics include extending the growing season, food as medicine, local purchasing initiatives, farm markets and food access, regional farm to school, and early childcare centers as partners in local food.
A lunch featuring locally sourced foods will be served, showcasing ingredients from area growers. Between sessions, participants will have opportunities to network, share ideas, and build relationships to advance food security and rural economic health across the 11-county region.
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 and the Fair Food Network, with additional support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance.
The full agenda and speaker details are available at: https://www.nemihfi.org/events/event-one-hcc5z
NEMI Regional Food Summit
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Eagle Pointe Plaza, 415 East Main Street, Hale, MI, 48739
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.