Farm Raised Crickets: Local Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Food Systems

Sustainability Associate Hanna De La Vega Sanchez recently sat down with Montserrat Rosales as part of the Forum’s monthly Spanish-language sustainability series on La Ponderosa Radio in Grand Rapids. (Una versión en español de esta publicación está disponible aquí).

For Montserrat Rosales, founder of Green Leap, sustainability means combining innovation, health, and responsibility. Through her company, she introduces cricket-based foods as a way to promote nutrition, reduce environmental impact, and bring forward-thinking ideas to the food system.

Crickets are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, but they are also remarkably efficient and eco-friendly to farm. “Every purchase is a choice,” Montserrat explained. “When you support sustainable businesses, you’re investing in your health, your community, and the planet. Try something new you might be surprised how good change can taste.”

Montserrat is committed to humane and eco-conscious practices. At Green Leap, crickets are raised in clean, temperature-controlled environments, fed fresh produce, and harvested using refrigeration-based methods that prioritize animal welfare. For her, sustainability is about respect—for the environment, the animal, and the food system.

Hanna De la Vega of the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF) highlighted how federal climate programs provide grants, tax incentives, and resources that help small businesses adopt sustainable practices. MiSBF ensures these investments reach diverse entrepreneurs like Montserrat, helping them scale their businesses while advancing climate goals.

Reflecting on her journey as a Hispanic entrepreneur, Montserrat acknowledged challenges such as funding access and consumer education but offered encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to be different. Stay true to your values, keep learning, and build relationships with people who believe in your mission. That’s how we grow together.”

Looking ahead, both Montserrat and Hanna see Hispanic entrepreneurs as key leaders in driving sustainable innovation. By supporting businesses like Green Leap, communities help create healthier food systems, advance climate action, and strengthen local economies.

Listen to the segment below in Spanish:

Montserrat shares her inspiration and goals for producing and selling cricket powder as a healthier, more sustainable source of protein.

We discuss ways to get involved, support minority entrepreneurs, and access resources.