Our Commitment to Local
Local food is the foundation of a strong, healthy, connected community.
For starters, it strengthens our local economy by creating jobs and keeping more dollars circulating in communities across the UP. Local farms who sell direct to consumers and retailers that support local food systems (like the MFC), are fairly compensated for their goods. Owned by your friends and neighbors, their presence provides stability within our market and local food system, as they’re invested in their community, just like you. When you buy from local farmers, you are participating in a time-honored connection between the eater and the grower — one that feels good and translates into positivity and benefits across the board. Meeting face-to-face with your local growers establishes a level of trust and understanding that isn’t possible within large-scale food production. At the MFC, you’ll see photographs lining the produce department, fostering a deeper appreciation for food and awareness of the process.
Buying local is also a more sustainable option. Local farmers are exceptional environmental stewards, helping to preserve our land, water, and wildlife. They promote genetic diversity and soil health by growing multiple varieties of produce that provide a long harvest season and strategically using cover crops to capture carbon emissions and combat global warming. Plus, since it’s traveled less distance, local food tastes better and is better for you. Food grown in your own community was likely picked within the past day or two, making it fresh, crisp, and loaded with flavor and nutrients.
Finally, by supporting local farmers today, you help ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow, and that future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful, and abundant food.
The MFC is committed to supporting local by stocking local and seasonal fruits, vegetables, and wellness items as well as through many initiatives that help nurture the growing and eating of local food. We work with local farmers to help strengthen food access, secure operational funding to ensure ongoing success, provide community education, and more — read on to learn more.
What does local mean
to us?
At the MFC, local means products grown, raised, or produced right here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. From fresh produce and pasture-raised meats to handcrafted wellness products, our local vendors represent the best of what the UP has to offer.
Become a Local Vendor
Are you a U.P. resident who grows, gathers, or creates food or wellness products? Join our network of local vendors and bring your products to MFC shoppers! We love partnering with farmers, foragers, makers, and producers who share our values.
Local Programming
Food As Medicine Program
The Marquette Food Co-op is a proud supporter of the U.P. Food as Medicine Program. Participants receive vouchers to spend on local food at area farmers markets and select retail locations. MFC assists with promotion, onboarding farmers markets, and a farmer grant program. We are currently participating in a winter pilot of the program in our store.
Learn more about the program at UPCAP’s website.
When available, learn about our Farmer Grant Program.
Farm to School Fundraiser
A fundraising program that sources products made right here in the UP! Keep money in the local economy while offering a meaningful fundraiser with unique products for youth to sell. This is a perfect fit for schools with gardens or food education programs.
Download Fundraiser Info (PDF)
Lexicon of Sustainability
One barrier to creating a better food system is that many people don’t understand the basic terms of the conversation. The Lexicon of Sustainability, created by Douglas Gayeton, mixes photographic collages with descriptive text to explain the core principles and practices of a sustainable and just food system.
