Time to Go Local! I’ve compiled a list of growers, farmers, artisans, restaurants, retailers and more from the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area. They are often sustainable, always whole foods, sometimes organic, and definitely local businesses you can frequent to find high quality, low traveled food to nourish your family.
The sources of these resources, which aren’t purporting to be comprehensive in any way, include my own experience, others’ recommendations, and conversations I had at the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market this month. Those resources marked with a star denote places I’ve actually visited and recommend. I’ll also break down my opinion on the source of real food with these symbols:
- FM Find them at the Fulton St. Farmer’s Market
- P Pastured Eggs
- GF 100% grassfed meat
- O Organic or mainly organic
- (O) Making attempts at organic practices; better than mainstream
- NS No spray farm
impact on your pocketbook (1 = lower prices, 4 = expensive in my book) If not listed, I’m simply not sure of pricing.
Has all the “right answers” to “the questions“
An excellent compromise option; one I would purchase from
If you’re from the area and have an update, suggestion, or correction for the page, please join in the comments to enhance the resource for all of us!
As you might imagine, this list took hours to compile. If you appreciate it, please consider checking out the rest of the site and perhaps even grabbing a free email subscription or subscribing via reader. You can also follow me on Twitter, get KS for Kindle, or see my Facebook Fan Page. Thanks for stopping by!
General Food Resources
Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council
If you’re serious about local food in Grand Rapids, MI, this is the place for you. For a truly comprehensive list of all local food producers, retailers and restaurants, click here to download the 48-page “West Michigan FRESH Local Food Guide.” It includes everything, without the opinionated commentary like you’re find on this page.
For a yearly membership fee, area farmers deliver produce, meats and more to a once a month drop off in GR.
Michigan Good Food is an initiative to develop a policy agenda that supports Good Food in Michigan – food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable – and to inform the 2010 state and local elections. Sponsored by the CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at MSU in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Food & Community Program. Good Food means food that is: Healthy – It provides nourishment and enables people to thrive; Green – It was produced in a manner that is environmentally sustainable; Fair – No one along the production line was exploited for its creation; Affordable – All people have access to it.
The local health food store for Grand Rapids. If you’re looking for a new ingredient and can’t find it at Meijer, you’ll want to make your next stop Harvest Health. And ask for help: people who know what they’re doing are waiting to do just that. Try out their Cascade, Hudsonville or central Eastern Ave. locations.
A new endeavor by Wendy of The Local Cook, Eat Local West MI is a round-up of local real food resources that will be dynamic, including relevant meetings, classes, and specials pertaining to local food in our area.
Farms: Meat, Milk & Eggs
Angelus Farms P GF O
7798 Wingeier Ave, Alto, MI 49302, 616-868-7339
A Catholic family-owned and operated farm, Angelus raises organic dairy cattle and runs a cow share program for raw milk. They also raise chickens for pastured eggs and run the farm the way Joel Salatin does on a smaller scale. Honey, maple syrup. This is our milk farm! You can read more at Why I Choose Raw Milk.
Grassfields Cheese, LLC FM P GF O
14238 60th Avenue, Coopersville, MI 49404
phone and fax: (616)997-8251
“We are a fifth generation, family-owned and operated farm. Our family has been farming this same land since 1882 with the motivation of producing food for Americans. Our organic cheeses and natural meats are available in our on-farm retail cheese shop. We enjoy serving you, our customers, as we glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives, our service, and our stewardship of His land and animals which He has graciously lent us.” Where I get beef, chicken and pork, along with rennet for cheese. Grassfields also has cheese classes, beautiful pastured eggs, and even apple cider.
Green Pastures is Grassfields’ organic dairy
Crane Dance Farm FM P GF O
Middleville, MI
(616) 293-1091
Grassfed. Sustainable. Humane. Crane Dance is the only farm in Michigan that is animal welfare-approved for pigs. See the standards. “Providing chemical-free, nutritious, and delicious pork, beef, lamb, poultry, and eggs is our life goal, as we work humanely with our animals and in harmony with our land.”
The Udder Farm Owners (UFO) FM P GF O
Byron Center, MI 49315
(616) 896-7836
Organically grown, 100% grassfed beef, whey-fed pork, duck and chicken eggs. Also raw milk cow shares, grassfed but for some self-harvested non-GMO corn for silage in the winter, along with hay and alfalfa. The owner started the process of becoming organically certified but stopped because of the expense, and she passes on the savings to the consumer. They’re just starting grassfed beef and plan to specialize in elderly and singles by offering 1/2-pound packages. The beef is <$3/lb. I almost don’t want to share this gem with you, in case there’s none left for me! I had the most delightful and animated conversation with Karin, the agister extraordinaire at UFO. She told me she got all excited watching the cows go out on pasture for the first time in the spring – and I told her I was awfully excited to have discovered her!
Lubbers Family Farm P GF O
O-862 Luce Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 453-4257
“Lubbers Family Farm raises meats and operates a cow share program. We offer beef, pork, lamb, turkey, chicken and eggs. We also house a bakery, the Little Rooster Bread Company, owned by our son. More information about the bakery can be found at www.littlerooster.net. Lubbers Family Farm is a family owned farm in West Michigan that has been farmed sustainably since 1995. For us, it started in 1993 when our youngest daughter, then six-years-old, was diagnosed with brain cancer.”
Creswick Farms FM P GF O
6500 Rollenhagen Rd, Ravenna, MI 49451
616-837-9226 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 616-837-9226 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Creswick raises beef, pork, lamb, poultry and eggs (in season). They participate in the West Michigan Co-op so you can get their meats once a month in GR. Creswick practices sustainable farming Joel Salatin style. Their site has a great list of other local resources!
Nancy and Linus Heibel P GF O
2879 144th Ave. Dorr, Michigan 49323
(616) 896-8418
“A Grade A Commercial Dairy for eight years, they now provide goat shares to those wishing to drink organic raw goat milk from their own goats. They raise their own grain and hay for their animals. Fresh strawberries and produce in season–including many old-fashioned heirloom vegetables. Free-range eggs and turkeys (average 12-15 pounds; much nicer than the big birds). No hybrids or GMO on this farm.”
Rakowski Family Farm FM P
130-131st Ave, Wayland, MI 49348
(269) 792-4151
Vegetables, pork, lamb, turkey, free-range eggs. Find them at the Fulton Farmer’s Market in the summer and eggs at Harvest Health all year round. You can get on their mailing list for orders and updates. “All our products and produce that we offer for sale, are either made or grown by us on our farm. We fertilize with composted manure from animals raised on our farm. We also grind all of our own feeds for our animals, so we know what is going into their food.” Rakowski is not organic, but the corn does not sound like it’s GMO and the chickens do get to run around and eat bugs. Not ideal, but for the price, this is a worthwhile source of eggs, especially since Harvest Health carries them.
Green Meadow Dairy LLC FM GF
3634 Gooding Road, Conklin, MI 49403
(616) 899-5590
The only raw goat’s cheddar in Michigan!
River Valley Poultry Farm FM P (O)
Kingsley, MI 49649
(213) 313-0413
At their fairly new farm, these two young fellas raise ducks, turkeys, pheasant and chickens. They’re not quite organic and even probably use GMO corn currently. Keep an eye on them, though. They’re trying to switch over to organic with all their feed and have a lot of growing to do.
S&S Lamb, LLC FM P GF O
4020 W. Blue Road, McBain, MI 49657
(231)826-4400
Selling lamb, beef, pork, chicken and eggs, they are: chemical free, pastured, winter feed grown on farm, no hormones or meds, humane butchering.
Farms: Produce
Brickyard Farms FM (O) NS
Cloverdale, MI 49035
(269) 623-5167
A “no-spray” farm with a small selection of vegetables. Also offer plants for gardens and artisan soaps and lip balms (safe ingredients!).
D&M Farm FM (O)
17190 Bailey Rd., Bailey, MI 49303
(231) 834-5204
“We pledge to grow the most nutritious vegetables and fruits in an eco-friendly manner for you, also to be good stewards of the land.” Tomatoes, peppers, melons, onions, cucumbers, summer and winter squash, pumpkins and more. Offers a CSA for $30/week and barters for other fruits and veggies to round out the selection. I never would have known about this one if I hadn’t asked. I was actually surprised by the “well, we’re not certified organic” answer that I got, because unlike many eco-friendly growers, D&M doesn’t put up signs and shout it from the hilltops. I don’t have any experience with them other than my questions, but I’m happy to know that they got the “right answer”!
Ham Family Farm FM (O)
Allendale, MI
Over 30 varieties of fresh produce grown sustainably with care for the environment taken into account. Many unique fruits and vegetables along with the old stand-bys, including 25 tomato varieties. I’ve known for a couple years that these guys don’t spray their lettuce in the early part of the season, so I buy from them until it gets really hot and then switch to certified organic. I didn’t know how sustainable their growing practices overall were until I Googled them for this page, though! Another example of the value of asking questions about your food.
Turtle Island FM O
15 Trent, Ravenna, MI 49451
(616) 675-7155
A certified organic farm, Turtle Island grows lots of greens, herbs, peppers, tomatoes, squash and more. You can find them most days at the Fulton St. Farmer’s Market.
Trillium Haven FM O
1391 Maplewood Dr., Jenison, MI 49428
(616) 457-5822
“We believe that there are better ways to farm other than using the industrial model: small-scale farming keeps us attuned to our land and our community. Because we do not want to damage our own land, and because we see our land as part of all the surrounding ecosystems, we do not use any pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers that pollute the land, water, or air.” Many varieties of greens, vegetables, herbs and some melons available at markets and via a CSA, which sells out early in the spring!
Providence Farms P GF O
Saugatuck, MI
“Whether it’s a God thing or an evolution thing, a cow is not supposed to eat anything but grass,” says Mike O’Brien. The cows of Providence Farms are 100 percent grass-fed; O’Brien and his wife, Teresa, rotate the herds daily among several paddocks. “They get grass, clean water and kelp [seaweed] as their mineral source, and no antibiotics or hormones,” O’Brien says. Providence Farms also raises sheep, pigs, chickens and turkeys, all of which get a hormone-and-antibiotic-free diet. Friday: Saugatuck Green Market Saturday: Holland Farmers’ Market
Groundswell Community Farm FM O
6527 Quincy St, Zeeland, MI 49464
(616) 885-7776
Certified organic CSAs offered for a wide range of vegetables. Groundswell has been farmed organically since it started in 2006.
Len Goodell FM (O)
This is my basil guy that I spoke about here. Len sells great herbs, grown indoors, along with plants for gardeners, tomatoes, green peppers, lots of squash, and a few other veggies. Chat with him about growing practices, and you’ll like what you hear! You can find him in stalls 90-92 at the Fulton Farmer’s Market T, W, Fr and Sa. I finally learned his name this year. 
Fat Blossom Farm Company FM O NS
2086 20th St., Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 870-5211
Beautiful, unique vegetables with a “no-spray” guarantee. Non-certified organic, this farm takes care of the earth with extended crop rotation and sustainable, ecologically friendly growing practices. A wide variety of crops are available, as well as a CSA.
Farms: Fruit (U-pick & Other)
UPDATE: A cherry question: I had more conversations with cherry farmers after I published this page, and I remain a little confused as to the optimal answer. The farmer I talked to was stand-offish, which turns me off, but he said he used the same sprays the organic people use. Then he said that one of the chemicals approved for organic growers is also used to mass kill fish in rivers and is such nasty stuff he’d never touch it. I think he assumed I was looking for an “organic only” kind of answer and didn’t think I’d appreciate his seemingly eco-friendly choice. However, I’m not sure who to trust. If every cherry grower is telling me they use the stuff approved for organic growers, what’s the deal? Why aren’t they advertising that? Is the difference that they’re fertilizing with inorganic material? I have more to learn about fruit growing…
Wells Orchards FM (O)
0-8993 Kenowa SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
(616) 453-5919
Open July-March, M-F 8a-6p Sat 8a-5p
Growers of apples, peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, apricots, sweet cherries, pumpkins, squash, honey. U-pick apples, peaches and cherries for sure. After asking the farmer about his growing practices, I liked his answer: integrated pest management, try to spray for bugs once early in the season so they don’t have to spray again, use eco-friendly chemicals when possible. He explained that with Michigan’s climate, cherry growers must spray for mold/rot, but that they use the fungicide that organic growers would use, rated “zero days to harvest,” as in, you can pick cherries right after they’re sprayed. Other fungicides are rated as “X weeks to harvest.” Our family picked cherries here for the first time and I was impressed by the sound system set up to scare away the birds and all the non-chemical pest fighters I could see and hear. The picking was easy, but at $1.50/pound, I don’t know if pitting all of them is worth it for me. Wells has great markdowns on bruised apples in the fall!
Sandy Bottom Berries
11555 Sandy Bottom Road NE Rockford, MI 49341
(616) 225-9376
U-pick raspberries, cherries and blueberries. Dust fruit with grape Kool-aid to keep the bugs and birds away! When I hear an answer like that, I know a farm is committed to making conscious eco-friendly choices. For the price, this was our favorite berry u-pick last season, and the berries were humongous. Very family-friendly and easy to pick.
DK Orchards/Vince Brown Farms
18059 8th Ave., Conklin, MI 49403
(616) 899-5400
U-pick strawberries, apples, tomatoes, peaches, pumpkins. Farm store with other veggies, too. For the price (,$10/bushel for apples) and the atmosphere that makes our favorite family outing of the year, I admit I haven’t even asked about growing practices here. We go twice a fall for the free hayride out to the orchard to pick apples, the free kids’ corn maze, and our Halloween pumpkins.
Bob Alt Farms FM (O)
6955 N. Division, Comstock Park, MI 49321
(616) 784-1676
I love to splurge on a pint of raspberries from these ladies before we get to u-pick in July. When asked about their growing practices, they said, “We’re not certified organic, but…” I was even happier to buy their berries! It pays to ask!
Blueberry Heritage Farms FM O
0-13871 Blair St., Holland, MI 49424
(616) 399-1683
“Third generation blueberry and cranberry farm producing quality home-grown fruit – now with Certified Organic blueberries. We offer a variety of fresh local fruit and vegetables, preserves, toppings, salsas, chocolate covered fruit and fresh roasted organic coffee.”
Nels and Luanne Nyblad Family Farms FM (O)
17965 Hall Rd., Casnovia, MI 49318
(616) 675-7654
Apples, cherries, peaches, and plums grown here. When asked about their cherry growing practices, I heard good things like “integrated pest management.” They spray sulfur, an organic fungicide, early in the spring with no spraying close to harvest, along with as few pesticides as possible. They echoed Well Orchards saying “it’s impossible to grow organic cherries in Michigan.”
Miscellaneous: Honey, Homemade Goods
100 Acre Woods Honey Farm FM
Hudsonville, MI
(616) 669-0962
This farmer got the answer “right” for honey: raw, unfiltered honey. Honey should not be heated over 116F to be considered raw. They also sell products like lotions and lip balms.
Gluten-free granola and cookies. I had a fun conversation with Val at the Fulton Farmer’s Market. Of course, I asked her if she’d heard of soaking grains, and she had, but hadn’t tried it yet. I should send her my eBook!
Retail Stores
Van Ball’s Prime Beef Inc. P (GF) (O)
3442 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, 616-363-0801
Pat’s, 6891 76th St. SE, Caledonia, MI, 49316, 616-891-1114
All local meat, much organic, no antibiotics or hormones, some grassfed, sustainably fished seafood, low-nitrate bacon, hot dogs and smoked meats. Local honey. I love being able to stop here for real meat in the city, and Mike, the owner, is always willing to strike up a conversation. My kids think the beef jerky sticks are the best treat!
Heffron Farms (GF) (O)
3 retail stores: on Plainfield at I-96, Clyde Park and 54th, and Cascade at 28th Street. 616-794-2527
They sell local meat, raised without growth hormones or animal filler in the feed. It’s a step up from CAFOs, but they’re not organic nor 100% grassfed. Cows do spend some time on pasture. The eggs they sell are the same as “cage-free” eggs in a supermarket (i.e., not worth my money).
Restaurants
:::local, sustainable, or organic or some combination of the three:::
Grand Rapids
Bluewater Grill
Although I don’t think all the menu items are local, you’ll see some local farms and sustainable meats and fish mentioned, and the summertime view of a small lake makes the atmosphere worth the trip.
Chipotle Mexican fast food chains
Chipotle has a commitment to sustainability in how they source their meat, particularly the chicken and pork, I believe. The prices are comparable to any other Mexican fast food (think Qdoba) and the burritoes are awesome.
Electric Cheetah
1015 Wealthy St SE
616-451-4779
When you see grassfed meat from a well-known local farm on the menu, you know you’re in a good place. Electric Cheetah goes out of their way to use local and Michigan ingredients. The french fries and homemade chips are to die for (among other choices).
Marie Catrib’s
1001-1003 Lake Drive SE
(corner of Lake, Cherry and Diamond)
616-454-4020
Almost everything on the menu is local or organic or both. Marie is famous for her granola, and if you like garlic, you’ll love her fare!
The Green Well Gastro Pub
924 Cherry Street SE
616-808-3566
With a super atmosphere, The Green Well serves many local foods, Michigan foods, artisan beers, and some sustainably produced foods. The prices are reasonable and everything I’ve tried has been amazing.
San Chez, a Tapas Bistro
38 West Fulton
(616) 774-8272
Serving only appetizers, San Chez is the first GR restaurant to compost. The one time I ate there, I left with a good taste on my tongue but unsatisfied with the small portions.
restaurant bloom
40 monroe center
616.632.2233
Bistro Bella Vita Downtown
44 Grandville Ave. SW
616.222.4600
Holland
- Alpen Rose Rest., 616-393-2111
- City Vu Bistro, 616-796-2100
- Marigold Lodge, 616-654-7900
Farmer’s Markets
Search www.localharvest.org for locations near you.
<p>Time to Go Local! I’ve compiled a list of growers, farmers, artisans, restaurants, retailers and more from the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area. They are often sustainable, always whole foods, sometimes organic, and definitely local businesses you can frequent to find high quality, low traveled food to nourish your family.</p>
<p>The sources of these resources, which aren’t purporting to be comprehensive in any way, include my own experience, others’ recommendations, and conversations I had at the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market this month. Those resources marked with <img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ />denote places I’ve actually visited <em>and </em>recommend. I’ll also break down my opinion on the source of real food with these symbols:</p>
<p><strong>FM </strong>Find them at the Fulton St. Farmer’s Market</p>
<p><strong>P</strong> Pastured Eggs</p>
<p><strong>GF</strong> 100% grassfed meat</p>
<p><strong>O</strong> Organic or mainly organic</p>
<p><strong>(O)</strong> Making attempts at organic practices; better than mainstream</p>
<p><strong>NS</strong> No spray farm</p>
<p><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> impact on your pocketbook (1 <img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> = lower prices, 4 = expensive in my book) If not listed, I’m simply not sure of pricing.</p>
<p><a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> Has all the "right answers" to "the questions"</p>
<p><img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /> An excellent compromise option; one I would purchase from</p>
<h5>General Food Resources</h5>
<p>Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council <a title=”http://foodshed.net/” href=”http://foodshed.net/”>http://foodshed.net/</a></p>
<p>If you’re serious about local food in Grand Rapids, MI, this is the place for you. For a truly comprehensive list of all local food producers, retailers and restaurants, click here <a title=”http://www.foodshed.net/foodguide/0809lfg.pdf” href=”http://www.foodshed.net/foodguide/0809lfg.pdf”>http://www.foodshed.net/foodguide/0809lfg.pdf</a> to download the 48-page "West Michigan FRESH Local Food Guide." It includes everything, without the opinionated commentary like you’re find on this page.</p>
<p><a href=”http://www.westmichigancoop.com/”><b>West Michigan</b><b> Co-op</b></a></p>
<p>For a yearly membership fee, area farmers deliver produce, meats and more to a once a month drop off in GR.</p>
<p><a href=”$image[4].png”><img style=”border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px” title=”image” border=”0″ alt=”image” align=”left” src=”$image_thumb[2].png” width=”240″ height=”240″ /></a> Michigan Good Food Initiative <a title=”http://www.michiganfood.org/” href=”http://www.michiganfood.org/”>http://www.michiganfood.org/</a></p>
<p>Michigan Good Food is an initiative to develop a policy agenda that supports Good Food in Michigan – food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable – and to inform the 2010 state and local elections. Sponsored by the CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at MSU <a title=”http://foodsystems.msu.edu/resources/overview.php?type=links&panel=1″ href=”http://foodsystems.msu.edu/resources/overview.php?type=links&panel=1″>http://foodsystems.msu.edu/resources/overview.php?type=links&panel=1</a> in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Food & Community Program. Good Food means food that is: Healthy – It provides nourishment and enables people to thrive; Green – It was produced in a manner that is environmentally sustainable; Fair – No one along the production line was exploited for its creation; Affordable – All people have access to it.</p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>Harvest Health Foods </strong><a title=”http://www.harvesthealthfoods.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=D39CDD6AEE6A4EE3AE47751D86880EB6″ href=”http://www.harvesthealthfoods.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=D39CDD6AEE6A4EE3AE47751D86880EB6″>http://www.harvesthealthfoods.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=D39CDD6AEE6A4EE3AE47751D86880EB6</a></p>
<p>The local health food store for Grand Rapids. If you’re looking for a new ingredient and can’t find it at Meijer, you’ll want to make your next stop Harvest Health. And ask for help: people who know what they’re doing are waiting to do just that. Try out their Cascade, Hudsonville or central Eastern Ave. locations.</p>
<p>Eat Local West Michigan <a title=”http://eatlocalwestmichigan.com/” href=”http://eatlocalwestmichigan.com/”>http://eatlocalwestmichigan.com/</a></p>
<p>A new endeavor by Wendy of The Local Cook <a title=”http://thelocalcook.com/” href=”http://thelocalcook.com/”>http://thelocalcook.com/</a>, Eat Local West MI is a round-up of local real food resources that will be dynamic, including relevant meetings, classes, and specials pertaining to local food in our area.</p>
<h5>Farms: Meat, Milk & Eggs</h5>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><a href=”http://www.theangelusfarms.com/information.html”><b>Angelus Farms </b></a><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong>
<br />7798 Wingeier Ave, Alto, MI 49302, 616-868-7339</p>
<p><em>A Catholic family-owned and operated farm, Angelus raises organic dairy cattle and runs a cow share program for raw milk.  They also raise chickens for pastured eggs and run the farm the way Joel Salatin does on a smaller scale.  Honey, maple syrup. </em>This is our milk farm! You can read more at Why I Choose Raw Milk </p>
<p><a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/06/24/why-i-choose-raw-milk/”>http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/06/24/why-i-choose-raw-milk/</a></p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><a href=”http://www.grassfieldscheese.com/farm-store.html”><b>Grassfields Cheese, LLC</b></a> <img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O
<br /></strong>14238 60th Avenue, Coopersville, MI 49404
<br />phone and fax: (616)997-8251</p>
<p><em>“We are a fifth generation, family-owned and operated farm. Our family has been farming this same land since 1882 with the motivation of producing food for Americans. Our organic cheeses and natural meats are available in our on-farm retail cheese shop. We enjoy serving you, our customers, as we glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives, our service, and our stewardship of His land and animals which He has graciously lent us.” </em>Where I get beef, chicken and pork, along with rennet for cheese. Grassfields also has cheese classes, beautiful pastured eggs, and even apple cider.</p>
<p><a href=”http://www.migreenpastures.com/”><b>Green Pastures</b></a> is Grassfields’ organic dairy</p>
<p><strong>Crane Dance Farm</strong> <a title=”http://cranedancefarm.com/” href=”http://cranedancefarm.com/”>http://cranedancefarm.com/</a> <img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a><strong> FM </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong>  <br />Middleville, MI
<br />(616) 293-1091</p>
<p><em>Grassfed. Sustainable. Humane.  Crane Dance is the only farm in Michigan that is animal welfare-approved for pigs.  See the standards. <a title=”http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/” href=”http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/”>http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/</a> "Providing chemical-free, nutritious, and delicious pork, beef, lamb, poultry, and eggs is our life goal, as we work humanely with our animals and in harmony with our land."</em></p>
<p><strong>The Udder Farm Owners (UFO) <img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> </strong><strong>FM </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong>
<br />Byron Center, MI 49315
<br />(616) 896-7836</p>
<p><em>Organically grown, 100% grassfed beef, whey-fed pork, duck and chicken eggs. Also raw milk cow shares, grassfed but for some self-harvested non-GMO corn for silage in the winter, along with hay and alfalfa. The owner started the process of becoming organically certified but stopped because of the expense, and she passes on the savings to the consumer. They’re just starting grassfed beef and plan to specialize in elderly and singles by offering 1/2-pound packages. The beef is <$3/lb. </em>I almost don’t want to share this gem with you, in case there’s none left for me! I had the most delightful and animated conversation with Karin, the agister extraordinaire at UFO. She told me she got all excited watching the cows go out on pasture for the first time in the spring – and I told her I was awfully excited to have discovered her!</p>
<p><a href=”http://www.lubbersfarm.com/”><b>Lubbers Family Farm</b></a> <img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong>
<br />O-862 Luce Street SW Grand Rapids, MI 49534
<br />(616) 453-4257</p>
<p><i>“Lubbers Family Farm raises meats and operates a cow share program.  We offer beef, pork, lamb, turkey, chicken and eggs. We also house a bakery, the Little Rooster Bread Company, owned by our son.  More information about the bakery can be found at <a href=”http://www.littlerooster.net/”>www.littlerooster.net</a>.  Lubbers Family Farm is a family owned farm in West Michigan that has been farmed sustainably since 1995. For us, it started in 1993 when our youngest daughter, then six-years-old, was diagnosed with brain cancer.”</i><a href=”http://www.creswickfarms.com”><b> </b></a></p>
<p><a href=”http://www.creswickfarms.com”><b>Creswick Farms</b></a> <img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong>  <br />6500 Rollenhagen Rd, Ravenna, Muskegon, Michigan 49451
<br />616-837-9226 <a href=”mailto:contactus@creswickfarms.com”>contactus@creswickfarms.com</a></p>
<p><em>Creswick raises beef, pork, lamb, poultry and eggs (in season). They participate in the West Michigan Co-op so you can get their meats once a month in GR. Creswick practices sustainable farming Joel Salatin style. </em>Their site has a great list of other local resources!</p>
<p><b>Nancy and Linus Heibel</b> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong>  <br />2879 144th Ave. Dorr, Michigan 49323
<br />Phone   (616) 896-8418 <a href=”mailto:gorafarm@hotmail.com”>gorafarm@hotmail.com</a></p>
<p><i>“A Grade A Commercial Dairy for eight years, they now provide goat shares to those wishing to drink organic raw goat milk from their own goats. They raise their own grain and hay for their animals. Fresh strawberries and produce in season–including many old-fashioned heirloom vegetables. Free-range eggs and turkeys (average 12-15 pounds; much nicer than the big birds). No hybrids or GMO on this farm.”</i></p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><b>Rakowski Family Farm </b><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /> <strong>FM </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>130-131st Ave, Wayland, MI 49348, 269-792-4151</p>
<p><em>Vegetables, pork, lamb, turkey, free-range eggs.  Find them at the Fulton Farmer’s Market in the summer and eggs at Harvest Health all year round.  You can get on their mailing list for orders and updates.  “All our products and produce that we offer for sale, are either made or grown by us on our farm. We fertilize with composted manure from animals raised on our farm. We also grind all of our own feeds for our animals, so we know what is going into their food.” </em>Rakowski is not organic, but the corn does not sound like it’s GMO and the chickens do get to run around and eat bugs. Not ideal, but for the price, this is a worthwhile source of eggs, especially since Harvest Health carries them.</p>
<p><strong>Green Meadow Dairy LLC</strong> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>GF </strong>
<br />3634 Gooding Road, Conklin, MI 49403
<br />(616) 899-5590</p>
<p><em>The only raw goat’s cheddar in Michigan!</em></p>
<p><strong>River Valley Poultry Farm </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /> <strong>FM </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>Kingsley, MI 49649
<br />(213) 313-0413</p>
<p><em>At their fairly new farm, these two young fellas raise ducks, turkeys, pheasant and chickens. They’re not quite organic and even probably use GMO corn currently. Keep an eye on them, though. They’re trying to switch over to organic with all their feed and have a lot of growing to do.</em></p>
<p><strong>S&S Lamb, LLC </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>4020 W. Blue Road, McBain, MI 49657
<br />(231)826-4400</p>
<p><em>Selling lamb, beef, pork, chicken and eggs, they are: chemical free, pastured, winter feed grown on farm, no hormones or meds, human butchering. </em></p>
<h5>Farms: Produce</h5>
<p><strong>Brickyard Farms <a title=”http://brickyardfarms.com/” href=”http://brickyardfarms.com/”>http://brickyardfarms.com/</a> </strong> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>NS
<br /></strong>Cloverdale, MI 49035
<br />(269) 623-5167</p>
<p><em>A "no-spray" farm with a small selection of vegetables. Also offer plants for gardens and artisan soaps and lip balms (safe ingredients!).</em></p>
<p><strong>D&M Farm </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>17190 Bailey Rd., Bailey, MI 49303
<br />(231) 834-5204</p>
<p><em>"We pledge to grow the most nutritious vegetables and fruits in an eco-friendly manner for you, also to be good stewards of the land." Tomatoes, peppers, melons, onions, cucumbers, summer and winter squash, pumpkins and more. Offers a CSA for $30/week and barters for other fruits and veggies to round out the selection.</em> I never would have known about this one if I hadn’t asked. I was actually surprised by the "well, we’re not <em>certified </em>organic" answer that I got, because unlike many eco-friendly growers, D&M doesn’t put up signs and shout it from the hilltops. I don’t have any experience with them other than my question<em>s, </em>but I’m happy to know that they got the "right answer"!</p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>Ham Family Farm </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /> <strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>Allendale, MI</p>
<p><em>Over 30 varieties of fresh produce grown sustainably with care for the environment taken into account. Many unique fruits and vegetables along with the old stand-bys, including 25 tomato varieties. </em>I’ve known for a couple years that these guys don’t spray their lettuce in the early part of the season, so I buy from them until it gets really hot and then switch to certified organic. I didn’t know how sustainable their growing practices overall were until I Googled them for this page, though! Another example of the value of asking questions about your food.</p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>Turtle Island </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a><strong> FM </strong><strong>O</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>15 Trent, Ravenna, MI 49451
<br />(616) 675-7155</p>
<p><em>A certified organic farm, Turtle Island grows lots of greens, herbs, peppers, tomatoes, squash and more. You can find them most days at the Fulton St. Farmer’s Market.</em></p>
<p><strong>Trillium Haven </strong><a title=”http://www.trilliumhavenfarm.com/” href=”http://www.trilliumhavenfarm.com/”><strong>http://www.trilliumhavenfarm.com/</strong></a> <img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>O</strong>
<br />1391 Maplewood Dr., Jenison, MI 49428
<br />(616) 457-5822 </p>
<p><em>"We believe that there are better ways to farm other than using the industrial model: small-scale farming keeps us attuned to our land and our community. Because we do not want to damage our own land, and because we see our land as part of all the surrounding ecosystems, we do not use any pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers that pollute the land, water, or air." Many varieties of greens, vegetables, herbs and some melons available at markets and via a CSA, which sells out early in the spring!</em></p>
<p><strong>Providence Farms </strong><a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a><strong> </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O
<br /></strong>Saugatuck, MI</p>
<p><em>“Whether it’s a God thing or an evolution thing, a cow is not supposed to eat anything but grass,” says Mike O’Brien.  The cows of Providence Farms are 100 percent grass-fed; O’Brien and his wife, Teresa, rotate the herds daily among several paddocks. “They get grass, clean water and kelp [seaweed] as their mineral source, and no antibiotics or hormones,” O’Brien says.  Providence Farms also raises sheep, pigs, chickens and turkeys, all of which get a hormone-and-antibiotic-free diet.  Friday: Saugatuck Green Market Saturday: Holland Farmers’ Market</em></p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>Groundswell Community Farm <a href=”http://www.groundswellfarm.org”>http://www.groundswellfarm.org</a> </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>O</strong><strong>
<br /></strong>6527 Quincy St, Zeeland, MI 49464
<br />(616) 885-7776</p>
<p><em>Certified organic CSAs offered for a wide range of vegetables. Groundswell has been farmed organically since it started in 2006.</em></p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>Len Goodell </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /> <strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> </p>
<p>This is my basil guy that I spoke about here. Len sells great herbs, grown indoors, along with plants for gardeners, tomatoes, green peppers, lots of squash, and a few other veggies. Chat with him about growing practices, and you’ll like what you hear! You can find him in stalls 90-92 at the Fulton Farmer’s Market T, W, Fr and Sa. I finally learned his name this year.  </p>
<p><strong>Fat Blossom Farm Company </strong><a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM</strong> <strong>O</strong> <strong>NS
<br /></strong>2086 20th St., Allegan, MI 49010
<br />(269) 870-5211</p>
<p><em>Beautiful, unique vegetables with a "no-spray" guarantee. </em><em>Non-certified organic, this farm takes care of the earth with extended crop rotation and sustainable, ecologically friendly growing practices. A wide variety of crops are available, as well as a CSA.</em></p>
<h5>Farms: Fruit (U-pick & Other)</h5>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>Wells Orchards </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /> <strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>0-8993 Kenowa SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
<br />(616) 453-5919
<br />Open July-March, M-F 8a-6p Sat 8a-5p</p>
<p><em>Growers of apples, peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, apricots, sweet cherries, pumpkins, squash, honey. U-pick apples, peaches and cherries for sure. After asking the farmer about his growing practices, I liked his answer: integrated pest management, try to spray for bugs once early in the season so they don’t have to spray again, use eco-friendly chemicals when possible. He explained that with Michigan’s climate, cherry growers must spray for mold/rot, but that they use the fungicide that organic growers would use, rated "zero days to harvest," as in, you can pick cherries right after they’re sprayed. Other fungicides are rated as "X weeks to harvest." </em>Our family picked cherries here for the first time and I was impressed by the sound system set up to scare away the birds and all the non-chemical pest fighters I could see and hear. The picking was easy, but at $1.50/pound, I don’t know if pitting all of them is worth it for me. Wells has great markdowns on bruised apples in the fall!</p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>Sandy Bottom Berries <a title=”http://sandybottomberries.homestead.com/” href=”http://sandybottomberries.homestead.com/”>http://sandybottomberries.homestead.com/</a> </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /><strong>
<br /></strong>11555 Sandy Bottom Road NE Rockford, MI 49341
<br />(616) 225-9376</p>
<p><em>U-pick raspberries, cherries and blueberries. Dust fruit with grape Kool-aid to keep the bugs and birds away! When I hear an answer like that, I know a farm is committed to making conscious eco-friendly choices. For the price, this was our favorite berry u-pick last season, and the berries were humongous. Very family-friendly and easy to pick.</em></p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>DK Orchards/Vince Brown Farms </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <strong>
<br /></strong>18059 8th Ave., Conklin, MI 49403
<br />(616) 899-5400</p>
<p><em>U-pick strawberries, apples, tomatoes, peaches, pumpkins. Farm store with other veggies, too. For the price (,$10/bushel for apples) and the atmosphere that makes our favorite family outing of the year, I admit I haven’t even asked about growing practices here. We go twice a fall for the free hayride out to the orchard to pick apples, the free kids’ corn maze, and our Halloween pumpkins.</em></p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><strong>Bob Alt Farms </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>6955 N. Division, Comstock Park, MI 49321
<br />(616) 784-1676</p>
<p><em>I love to splurge on a pint of raspberries from these ladies before we get to u-pick in July. When asked about their growing practices, they said, "We’re not <u>certified</u> organic, but…" I was even happier to buy their berries! It pays to ask!</em></p>
<p><strong>Blueberry Heritage Farms <a title=”http://www.berry-bunch.com/” href=”http://www.berry-bunch.com/”>http://www.berry-bunch.com/</a> </strong><a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM</strong><strong> </strong><strong>O</strong><strong>
<br /></strong>0-13871 Blair St., Holland, MI 49424
<br />(616) 399-1683</p>
<p><em>"Third generation blueberry and cranberry farm producing quality home-grown fruit – now with Certified Organic blueberries. </em><em>We offer a variety of fresh local fruit and vegetables, preserves, toppings, salsas, chocolate covered fruit and fresh roasted organic coffee."</em></p>
<p><strong>Nels and Luanne Nyblad Family Farms </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>17965 Hall Rd., Casnovia, MI 49318
<br />(616) 675-7654</p>
<p><em>Apples, cherries, peaches, and plums grown here. When asked about their cherry growing practices, I heard good things like "integrated pest management." They spray sulfur, an organic fungicide, early in the spring with no spraying close to harvest, along with as few pesticides as possible. They echoed Well Orchards saying "it’s impossible to grow organic cherries in Michigan."</em></p>
<h5>Miscellaneous: Honey, Homemade Goods</h5>
<p><strong>100 Acre Woods Honey Farm </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>FM</strong><strong>
<br /></strong>Hudsonville, MI
<br />(616) 669-0962</p>
<p><em>This farmer got the answer "right" for honey: raw, unfiltered honey. Honey should not be heated over 116F to be considered raw. They also sell products like lotions and lip balms.</em></p>
<p><strong>Fat Giraffe Bakery <a title=”http://fatgiraffebakery.com/” href=”http://fatgiraffebakery.com/”>http://fatgiraffebakery.com/</a> FM
<br /></strong><em>Gluten-free granola and cookies. I had a fun conversation with Val at the Fulton Farmer’s Market. Of course, I asked her if she’d heard of soaking grains, and she had, but hadn’t tried it yet. I should send her my eBook!  </em>
<br /></p>
<h5>Retail Stores</h5>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><b>Van Ball’s Prime Beef Inc.</b> <img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/method/levels-of-commitment/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a> <strong>P (GF)</strong><strong> </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>3442 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI  49505, 616-363-0801
<br />Pat’s, 6891 76<sup>th</sup> St. SE, Caledonia, MI, 49316, 616-891-1114 </p>
<p><em>All local meat, much organic, no antibiotics or hormones, some grassfed, sustainably fished seafood, low-nitrate bacon, hot dogs and smoked meats.  Local honey.</em> I love being able to stop here for real meat in the city, and Mike, the owner, is always willing to strike up a conversation. My kids think the beef jerky sticks are the best treat!</p>
<p><b>Heffron Farms </b><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16×16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /> <img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /> (<strong>GF) </strong><strong>(O)</strong><strong>
<br /></strong>3 retail stores: on Plainfield at I-96, Clyde Park and 54<sup>th</sup>, and Cascade at 28<sup>th</sup> Street.  616-794-2527</p>
<p>They sell local meat, raised without growth hormones or animal filler in the feed.  It’s a step up from CAFOs, but they’re not organic nor 100% grassfed. Cows do spend some time on pasture. The eggs they sell are the same as "cage-free" eggs in a supermarket (i.e., not worth my money).</p>
<h5>Restaurants </h5>
<p>:::local, sustainable, or organic or some combination of the three:::</p>
<p><b>Grand Rapids</b><b> </b></p>
<p><a href=”http://www.bloomgr.com/”>restaurant bloom</a>
<br />40 monroe center
<br />616.632.2233</p>
<p><a href=”http://www.bistrobellavita.com/”>Bistro Bella Vita Downtown</a>
<br />44 Grandville Ave. SW
<br />616.222.4600</p>
<p><em>The Gillmore Collection </em>
<br /><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><a href=”http://www.thegilmorecollection.com/bluewatergrill.html”>Bluewater Grill</a></p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><a href=”http://www.chipotle.com/html/fwi.aspx”>Chipotle Mexican fast food chains</a></p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><a href=”http://www.electriccheetah.com/”>Electric Cheetah</a>
<br />1015 Wealthy St SE
<br />616-451-4779</p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><a href=”http://www.mariecatribs.com/”>Marie Catrib’s</a>
<br />1001-1003 Lake Drive SE
<br />(corner of Lake, Cherry and Diamond)
<br />616-454-4020</p>
<p><img title=”added bonus” alt=”added bonus” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/star.png” width=”32″ height=”32″ /><a href=”http://www.thegreenwell.com/”>The Green Well Gastro Pub</a>
<br />924 Cherry Street SE
<br />616-808-3566</p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>Holland</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>Alpen Rose Rest., 616-393-2111</li>
<li>City Vu Bistro, 616-796-2100</li>
<li>Marigold Lodge, 616-654-7900</li>
</ul>
<h5>Farmer’s Markets </h5>
<p>Search <a href=”http://www.localharvest.org/”>www.localharvest.org</a> for locations near you.  </p>
![a natural deodorizer made of bamboo [sustainable + reusable + recycable]](http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/everbamboo125.png)
Wow! Thank you so much! This is awesome. We live in Allendale, and frequent a lot of the places you recommended, but this list is so great! Thanks again, and may God bless the work of your hands!
[Reply to this comment]
I *love* this list!
I’d like to incorporate more of these foods in our diet–what a tremendous resource.
THANK YOU.
One question: do you mean to say “human butchering” under S&S Lamb? Or is it “humane”?
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Marcia,
Katie
Heh. Yes. Kind of funny typo there…that would be “humane”, and thank you for catching it!!
[Reply to this comment]
THANK YOU! Wow, you’ve been busy. Thanks for sharing our your resources with us. Greatly appreciated!
My husband and I have really been struggling with restaurants/eating out. Once we read about CAFOs, it was difficult to enjoy a steak from a steakhouse anymore. We rarely eat out now because of this (and to save $ to buy better food), but I do like to eat out once in a while. Thanks for the suggestions.
[Reply to this comment]
I think this might fit, Katie – http://www.magiclandfarms.com/
They’re in Fremont, MI.
[Reply to this comment]
Does anyone know where I can find the kind of info re: the Saginaw area? Our own farmers mkt is only open for a few months.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Terri,
Katie
Start with localharvest.org and realmilk.com for some state-by-state listings…
[Reply to this comment]