Northern Michigan Food Donation Workshop: Doubling Impact by 2030

Northern Michigan has unique strengths and barriers when it comes to food donation and surplus recovery. Seasonal production, rural geography, storage and transportation gaps, and limited staffing all shape how food moves (or doesn’t move) across the region.

Join Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, and Goodwill Northern Michigan at King Orchards for a focused, solutions-oriented convening designed for food businesses, farms, institutions, food rescue organizations, community partners, and local leaders interested in increasing food donation in Northern Michigan.

This workshop is open to anyone connected to the regional food system, whether you are already donating or rescuing food, exploring how to get started, or looking for practical ways to strengthen existing efforts.

Participants will:

• Identify region-specific barriers and investment needs
• Strengthen coordination between donors, rescue organizations, and receivers
• Explore public policy opportunities that could make food donation easier and more effective
• Learn about the Double Food Donation Campaign roadmap and resource guide
• Contribute to a Northern Michigan call to action for the next 12 months

The outcome of this convening will be a documented, practitioner-informed set of regional priorities that align with Michigan’s statewide goal of doubling food donation by 2030. 

Speakers:

• Courtney King, VP of Retail Sales, King Orchards
• Taylor Moore, Manager of Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, Goodwill Northern Michigan
• Rose Spickler, Director of Education and Engagement, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

Support for this program is made possible by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, who works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors. You can find more information about the Health Fund at mihealthfund.org.