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2025 Washtenaw Food Summit

Oct. 24, 2025
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace Hall
16 S Washington St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Join us for the 2025 Washtenaw Food Summit! 
 
Connect with local producers, distributors, and food system leaders for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. 

Start the morning with guided tours of local food organizations, then gather at noon at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace Hall for a delicious, locally sourced lunch. The afternoon features an interactive listening session to help shape future funding priorities for MDARD’s Farm to Family program, followed by updates from community partners and open discussion and networking. This is a great chance to reconnect, discover new initiatives, and explore funding opportunities in Washtenaw County and beyond. 

Thanks to MDARD’s generous sponsorship, registration is free for those in need. Space is limited—reserve your spot today! 

Tentative Event Schedule:

  • 9-11:30 a.m. – Track Tours at Various Locations
  • 12-1 p.m. - Lunch at Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace Hall
  • 1-1:30 p.m. – Welcome and Opening Speaker
  • 1:30-2:30 p.m. – MDARD Farm to Families Interactive Listening Session
  • 2:30-3 p.m. – Trinity Health ILOS Update
  • 3-4 p.m. – Open Discussion and Networking

Food Summit Pricing Tiers 

Tier 1: Community Access – Free ($0) 
This tier ensures that everyone can attend, regardless of financial ability. Your presence is valued and welcomed. 

Tier 2: Supporter Contribution – $25 
For those who are able to contribute a little more, this tier helps offset event costs and supports the organizations involved. Your contribution helps sustain future events. 

Tier 3: Sustainer Contribution – $50 
For those who can provide stronger financial support to the summit and its mission. Your generosity directly supports local food initiatives and the event venue. 

Food Summit Morning Track Tours

Morning tracks run from 9–11:30 a.m., each featuring tours of two unique facilities. 

Schedule Overview: 

  • Site One Tour: 9–10 a.m.
  • Travel to Site Two: 10–10:30 a.m.
  • Site Two Tour: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
  • Travel to Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace Hall: 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. 

Transportation: 
Event organizers will not provide transportation. Please plan to drive yourself or carpool. If you need help arranging a ride, let us know—we’re happy to assist.

Morning Track Tours Options: 

Track 1: Regenerative Agriculture 

  • Visit two local farms and learn how farmers are using soil health practices to grow nutritious food for their communities. 

Track 2: Emergency Food System 

  • Explore how two organizations are addressing food insecurity and adapting to changes in federal funding. 

Track 3: Produce Prescription & Nutrition Incentives 

  • Discover how two organizations are utilizing federal and Medicaid funding to expand access to fruits and vegetables for all. 

Download Event Flyer

Accommodations

Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.  

Contact Information

For more information, contact Lewis Hughes at hughe519@msu.edu