Ann Arbor Area Food Donation Workshop: Doubling Impact by 2030
Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County are home to a dense network of restaurants, small food businesses, institutions, and food rescue organizations, creating significant opportunities to increase food donation and reduce food waste. However, many small and mid-sized businesses face practical barriers to participating in food donation, from operational constraints and liability concerns to coordination challenges.
Join Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, Ann Arbor Sustainable Food Business Coalition, and local collaborators for a focused, interactive convening designed specifically for small food businesses and the organizations that support them.
This session will center the lived experiences of small businesses while connecting them with food rescue organizations, policy context, and practical tools to increase participation in food donation.
Participants will:
- Identify real-world barriers small businesses face in donating surplus food
- Engage directly with food rescue organizations to understand available pathways and partnerships
- Explore practical solutions, including operational adjustments and coordination improvements
- Learn about Michigan’s Double Food Donation Campaign and the Food Donation & Recovery Guide
- Provide direct input to shape tools, policy conversations, and future programming
This event is designed as a listening session and working forum. The outcome will be a set of practitioner-informed insights and priorities that reflect the needs of small businesses in Southeast Michigan and contribute to Michigan’s statewide goal of doubling food donation by 2030.
Speakers:
- Azella Markgraf, Sustainability Coordinator, Ann Arbor office of Sustainability and Innovations
- Bre Williamson, President, North Corktown Neighborhood Association
- Jeff Wells, Food Run Manager, Food Gatherers
- Jennifer Santi, Marketing and Communications Manager, Zingerman’s Deli
- Rose Spickler, Director of Statewide Engagement, MiSBF
Support for this program is made possible by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Ann Arbor Community Climate Action Millage.
