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Local Grand Rapids Real Food Farms & Resources

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
  • moneymoneymoneymoney impact on your pocketbook (1 money = lower prices, 4 = expensive in my book) If not listed, I’m simply not sure of pricing.
  • positive Has all the “right answers” to “the questions
  • half-pos 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!

If you can’t find high quality meat in your area, check out my Butcher Box review.

Disclaimer: Links may not be recently updated.

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.

West Michigan Co-op

For a yearly membership fee, area farmers deliver produce, meats and more to a once a month drop off in GR.

Community-based food systems infographic

Michigan Good Food Initiative

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.

added bonusHarvest Health Foods

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.

added bonusSmart Choice Market, Byron Center

Brand new in Byron, Smart Choice is just getting off the ground (2012), and I’m so happy to patronize them and applaud their good intentions. Specialties include lots of allergy-friendly products, a HUGE gluten-free organic bulk section (think dried beans, popcorn, grains, flours, sugars, etc.), and a smoothie bar. You can find Healthy Snacks to Go in print available at Smart Choice!

Treehuggers

Stores in Holland and on Wealthy in Grand Rapids. Treehuggers was recommended to me for its natural items and practices. Awesome!

Nourish Organic Market

Nourishing, traditional foods – all organic and grassfed at this small market on Wealthy in GR.

Eat Local West Michigan

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.

Local First

An organization to support local businesses, farms, and food, Local First sponsors social events and brings together local businesses to foster Sustainability, Collaboration, and Support.

Madcap Coffee moneymoneymoney
98 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(888) 866-9091
Madcap Coffee is committed to buying, roasting, retailing, and wholesaling specialty coffees. We believe that, to do this well, we must build strong relationships with all of the people who participate in bringing coffees to our roastery. By respecting and fostering those relationships, Madcap is better able to ensure the highest quality through monitoring and nurturing the coffee seed at every stage of its life. Our job is complete when that coffee hits your cup. Whether you are simply enjoying your morning brew or you’re fine-tuning and obsessing over your coffee’s nuances, you can trust that Madcap is roasting and presenting the best we can offer.

Farms: Meat, Milk & Eggs

Little Kerry’s Acres moneymoneypositiveP GF O
9867 W Howe Rd Eagle, MI 48822
(517)775-7229

This family farm sells pasture raised, organic chickens and their eggs; organic grass-fed beef; and organic pastured pork. They also offer Farm Shares and Herd Shares that have some really great benefits! “Our farm is located on the west side of Lansing, MI. We farm in a manner that is consistent with the way that God created animals to live with them grazing off the land. This homestead is designed with sustainable agriculture in mind so that our land can be enriched instead of being stripped of it’s valuable resources. Our goal is to farm in a way that is consistent with nature for our animals welfare, in addition to selling food that is healthy and nourishing to our customers.” I have bought wonderful chickens from Rita and her family before, and also Kitchen Stewardship® is partly responsible for inspiring the family to start a homestead farm, which blows my mind and humbles me! I’m so happy to share their products with the western and mid-Michigan areas.

Six S Dairy moneymoney GF P
9374 21 Mile Rd, Sand Lake, MI 49343
(616) 636-8755
If you’re interested in humanely raised, wholesome, antibiotic/hormone/chemical free, grass fed meat and eggs
you’ve come to the right place! We pride ourselves on giving our animals the best life we can, raising them on pasture (with shelter) as nature intended.

added bonus

Angelus Farms moneymoney positive 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 was our milk farm before we moved. You can read more at Why I Choose Raw Milk.

Two Sparrows Farm moneymoney P GF
9436 Peck Lake Rd., Lowell, MI 49331
517-214-7447

From the farm: “At Two Sparrows Farm & Dairy we produce hormone, antibiotic-free, & non-GMO raw milk, grassfed beef, pastured pork, chickens, Thanksgiving turkeys, and free-range eggs.

We are excited to have added our raw milk herd shares (with delivery available) in the past year and have transitioned to become 100% non-GMO. Our grain is grown by Melody Bee Farms in Ada and mixed at Starbard Farms Feed in Lowell.”

added bonus

Grassfields Cheese, LLC moneymoneymoney positive FM P GF O (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 (but not organic or non-GMO), and even apple cider. See my updated questions after a farm tour here.

Green Pastures is Grassfields’ organic dairy

added bonus

Kapenga Farms Poultry

Recommended by a reader in Zeeland. Pastured chickens and eggs at really good prices, even boneless chicken breasts, local honey and more. Sales on farm. We’ve been there and enjoy the chicken (but it’s a mighty smelly place to be)!

added bonus

Farm Country Cheese

High quality, delicious cheese from grassfed, hand-milked cows in Michigan. Raw milk cheese available, but not truly raw. Sold at many Farmer’s Markets in the GR area plus some local stores like Byron Center Meats, Apple Valley, Harvest Health, and other specialty shops. I buy in 5-pound blocks…rather regularly…ahem. 😉 More on good cheese here.

Crane Dance Farm moneymoneymoneymoney positive 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.”

Much of Crane Dance stuff is more expensive than I like to dabble with, BUT their bacon is in line with other local bacon, and it is 100% nitrate/nitrite free, whereas others are often “low nitrite.” Besides that, it’s totally amazing and got an A+ from the family. So the new goal is that when I splurge on bacon, I’m going Crane Dance every time. (as of 4/27/11)

added bonus

The Udder Farm Owners (UFO) & Woodbridge Dairy money positive FM P GF O
Byron Center, MI 49315
(616) 896-7836
[email protected]

Organically grown, grassfed beef, whey-fed pork, duck and chicken eggs. Also raw milk cow shares, grassfed but for some self-harvested non-GMO (hopefully?) corn for silage each day and also all winter, along with hay and alfalfa. The beef steers get some corn silage in the winter too. The owner started the process of becoming organically certified but stopped because of the expense, and she passes on the savings to the consumer. The ground beef is $5.50/lb (as of summer 2013). 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! UPDATE (fall 2010): I’m loving UFO’s chicken eggs with their deep colored yolks and incredible flavor! Starting to switch over to buying beef here, especially when I found out she’ll be at the Fulton Market some Saturdays through the winter.

UPDATE: As of spring 2012, this is our raw milk farm. Yum! Karin is also at the new downtown market as well as Fulton St.

Lubbers Family Farm moneymoneymoney positive 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 moneymoney positive FM P GF O
6500 Rollenhagen Rd, Ravenna, MI 49451
(616) 837-9226

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! Watch for Creswick meats in many local restaurants; they are a sure measuring stick of quality.

Nancy and Linus Heibel positive 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 moneymoney half-pos 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 chickens do get to run around and eat bugs. Not ideal, but for the price, this is an “emergency backup” source of eggs, especially since Harvest Health carries them in case you can’t get to a farm. Ask the hard questions here, like about GMOs…

Green Meadow Dairy LLC positive FM GF
3634 Gooding Road, Conklin, MI 49403
(616) 899-5590

The only raw goat’s cheddar in Michigan!

added bonus

River Valley Poultry Farm moneymoneymoney half-pos FM P (O)
Kingsley, MI 49649
(213) 313-0413
[email protected]

At their fairly new farm, these two young fellas raise ducks, turkeys, pheasant and chickens. They’re not quite organic but have moved to using non-GMO corn and soy as of Fall 2010. They raise some of the feed on their own land. Keep an eye on them – they’re trying to switch over to organic with all their feed and have a lot of growing to do. They will be at the Fulton Farmer’s Market some Saturdays through the winter and can take orders via email or phone, as well as having some inventory additionally.

added bonus

S&S Lamb, LLC moneymoneymoney positive 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.

Coach Stop Farm half-pos (O) NS
3755 72nd Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464
(616) 772 4660

Coach Stop offers lamb, chicken and pork that is naturally raised, although not totally organic. They use some grain and corn feed, but no hormones or antibiotics. 100% free range, mostly grassfed.

(616) 884-0484
Discovered by Kelly the Kitchen Kop, well-raised eggs are sold for $4/dozen. Also pastured turkeys and a CSA.
 
 
They raise pasture beef, pork, chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, and eggs on our farm and use non-gmo feeds from our local Amish mill. All of the meat, eggs, and milk are raised with love on a 14 acre farm in Ravenna, MI.
 
13410 Ferris St.
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 414-4144
 
Twitter: @theJAELAfarm
Instagram: theJAELAfarm  

We are dedicated to raising our animals on grass and if needed Non-GMO supplement.

Farms: Produce

Brickyard Farms positive 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 moneymoney positive 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”!

added bonusHam Family Farm money half-pos 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 moneymoneymoney positive FM O?
15 Trent, Ravenna, MI 49451
(616) 675-7155

Used to be 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. I am finding I buy less from them now that I’ve had more conversations with other growers and gotten happy answers…I wish I knew what happened to their organic status.

Trillium Haven moneymoneymoney positive 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 positive 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

added bonusGroundswell Community Farm moneymoneymoney positive 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.

added bonusLen Goodell moneymoney half-pos 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 positive 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.

Magicland Farms half-pos
4380 S. Gordon Ave., Fremont, MI 49412
(231) 652-2368

Only sell what they grow, and “same day freshness” is their goal. A seriously HUGE offering of fruits and vegetables. A visit to the website is well worth it.

EarthKeeper Farms positive O NS
12062 Fruit Ridge Ave. Kent City, MI
(616) 403-0526

Recommended by Kelly the Kitchen Kop, EK Farms produce is found at the Rockford and Ada Farmer’s Markets. CSA available, over 50 crops. Visit the website to see them all. “Biodiversity, environmental protection, building healthy soil, and commitment to a local food system are a few key elements of the farm.

Farms: Fruit (U-pick & Other)

For U-pick blueberries in Grand Rapids, MI, I have a whole post of resources for you! Click HERE to check it out (2013).

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…

added bonusPeach Ridge Farm (O) NS positive
4350 Peach Ridge Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
(616) 647-9043 

I’m very excited to find Peach Ridge, a family farm where they “use time-tried sustainable methods” to raise enough food for the bugs and the people. They have a full CSA for vegetables but also apples at $8.50/half bushel (2013 prices). Yay!!

added bonusWells Orchards moneymoney half-pos 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!

added bonusSandy Bottom Berries money half-pos
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. UPDATE 2013: SBB uses integrated pest mangement, not Kool Aid. From the farm: “We shoot for not spraying 4-6 weeks before picking, but sometimes we cannot meet that due to fruit infesting insects. See our website and farm practices link for a thorough explanation.” UPDATE: a friend recently told me (2013) that they were at Sandy Bottom and they looked at her like she was Greek when she asked about the grape Kool-aid…maybe I was mislead?

added bonusDK Orchards/Vince Brown Farms money
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.

added bonusBob Alt Farms moneymoney positive 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 moneymoneymoney positive 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.” No U-pick because certified organic farms can’t allow random people on them. Sigh.

added bonusIrvine Blueberries moneymoney positive O
8172 66th Ave.,Hudsonville, MI 49426
(616) 616-6895

Organic U-pick blueberries for $2/lb (2010 prices). No sprays used for 6 years!
So sad, closed for business as of 2013.
 
Post Farmsmoneymoneyhalf-pos NS (partial)
9849 Myers Lake Ave NE Rockford, MI 49341
(616) 874-7569
I bought blueberries here after learning that they haven’t sprayed but once in 20 years. Their pest control utilizes all biological processes and close to organic. Unfortunately, they do use GM corn to keep resistant from pests.
 

Nels and Luanne Nyblad Family Farms moneymoney positive 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 moneymoney positive 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.

Fat Giraffe Bakery FM

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

added bonusVan Ball’s Prime Beef Inc. moneymoneymoney positive P (GF)
3442 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI  49505, 616-363-0801
Pat’s, 6891 76th St. SE, Caledonia, MI, 49316, 616-891-1114

All local-ish meat, no antibiotics or hormones, some grassfed, sustainably fished seafood, low-nitrate bacon, hot dogs and smoked meats. Local honey. Chicken from an Amish farm in Indiana and Otto’s (someday I need to call them to chat). 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! (But they just went up in price along with everything else 3/11; we could cry!) UPDATE, 4/2011: I’ve decided that with price increases, further conversations about the meat, and another reason that seems gossipy to share, I doubt I’ll be back at Van Ball’s often. It’s just too small of a step from CAFO meat for quadruple the price on split chicken breasts, the major item I used to get regularly here.

Heffron Farms moneymoneymoney half-pos (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). However, you can get unhomogenized, local milk, which is a nice option sometimes.

Restaurants

:::local, sustainable, or organic or some combination of the three:::

Grand Rapids

added bonusThe Green Restaurant

Our family was totally impressed by the organic, gluten-free, and reasonably priced menu at this new restaurant in northern GR. It’s a definite recommendation, and I hope they can be successful!

added bonusBluewater 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.

added bonusChipotle 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.

added bonusElectric 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).

added bonusMarie 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!

added bonusThe 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

added bonusBistro Bella Vita Downtown
44 Grandville Ave. SW
616.222.4600
I’ve finally gotten the chance to eat at Bistro Bella Vita, and it was an amazing experience. The chef put together a menu especially for a Weston A. Price fundraiser, and boy, was it delicious! I can’t imagine anything there is not super tasty and highly recommend it! Kelly wrote more and has photos of our meals here.

Red’s on the River, Rockford
Some locally sourced foods and a pretty darn good french onion soup – Kelly got her beef stock recipe from the chef, who makes all real food stocks with no yucky stuff in them. Ritzy and a nice treat.

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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.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_16x16.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/about-2/monday-missions/”><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 &quot;right answers&quot; to &quot;the questions&quot;</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 &quot;West Michigan FRESH Local Food Guide.&quot; 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. <a title=”http://foodsystems.msu.edu/resources/overview.php?type=links&amp;panel=1″ href=”http://foodsystems.msu.edu/resources/overview.php?type=links&amp;panel=1″>http://foodsystems.msu.edu/resources/overview.php?type=links&amp;panel=1</a> in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Food &amp; 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 &amp; 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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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.&#160; They also raise chickens for pastured eggs and run the farm the way Joel Salatin does on a smaller scale.&#160; 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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><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>&#160; <br />Middleville, MI

<br />(616) 293-1091</p>

<p><em>Grassfed. Sustainable. Humane.&#160; Crane Dance is the only farm in Michigan that is animal welfare-approved for pigs.&#160; See the standards. <a title=”http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/” href=”http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/”>http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/</a> &quot;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.&quot;</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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;</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 &lt;$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>&#160;<img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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.&#160; We offer beef, pork, lamb, turkey, chicken and eggs. We also house a bakery, the Little Rooster Bread Company, owned by our son.&#160; More information about the bakery can be found at <a href=”http://www.littlerooster.net/”>www.littlerooster.net</a>.&#160; 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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<strong>FM </strong><strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong>&#160; <br />6500 Rollenhagen Rd, Ravenna, Muskegon, Michigan 49451

<br />616-837-9226 <a href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</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>&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<strong>P</strong> <strong>GF </strong><strong>O</strong>&#160; <br />2879 144th Ave. Dorr, Michigan 49323

<br />Phone&#160;&#160; (616) 896-8418 <a href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ />&#160;<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.&#160; Find them at the Fulton Farmer’s Market in the summer and eggs at Harvest Health all year round.&#160; You can get on their mailing list for orders and updates.&#160; “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/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ />&#160;<strong>FM </strong><strong>P</strong>&#160;<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&amp;S Lamb, LLC </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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>&#160;</strong>&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>NS
<br /></strong>Cloverdale, MI 49035

<br />(269) 623-5167</p>

<p><em>A &quot;no-spray&quot; 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&amp;M Farm </strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<strong>FM </strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>17190 Bailey Rd., Bailey, MI 49303

<br />(231) 834-5204</p>

<p><em>&quot;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.&quot; 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 &quot;well, we’re not <em>certified </em>organic&quot; answer that I got, because unlike many eco-friendly growers, D&amp;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 &quot;right answer&quot;!</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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ />&#160;<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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><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>&#160;<img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<strong>FM </strong><strong>O</strong>

<br />1391 Maplewood Dr., Jenison, MI 49428

<br />(616) 457-5822 </p>

<p><em>&quot;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.&quot; 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/about-2/monday-missions/”><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.&#160; 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.&#160; Providence Farms also raises sheep, pigs, chickens and turkeys, all of which get a hormone-and-antibiotic-free diet.&#160; 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>&#160;</strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ />&#160;<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.&#160; :)</p>

<p><strong>Fat Blossom Farm Company </strong><a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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 &quot;no-spray&quot; 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 &amp; 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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<img title=”half-pos” alt=”half-pos” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/half-pos.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ />&#160;<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 &quot;zero days to harvest,&quot; as in, you can pick cherries right after they’re sprayed. Other fungicides are rated as &quot;X weeks to harvest.&quot; </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>&#160;</strong><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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, &quot;We’re not <u>certified</u> organic, but…&quot; 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>&#160;</strong><a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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>&quot;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.&quot;</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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<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 &quot;integrated pest management.&quot; 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 &quot;it’s impossible to grow organic cherries in Michigan.&quot;</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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<strong>FM</strong><strong>
<br /></strong>Hudsonville, MI

<br />(616) 669-0962</p>

<p><em>This farmer got the answer &quot;right&quot; 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!&#160; :)</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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<a href=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/about-2/monday-missions/”><img title=”positive” alt=”positive” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/positive.png” width=”16″ height=”16″ /></a>&#160;<strong>P (GF)</strong><strong>&#160;</strong><strong>(O)</strong> <strong>
<br /></strong>3442 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI&#160; 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.&#160; 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_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ /><img title=”money” alt=”money” src=”http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dollar_sign_16x16.gif” width=”16″ height=”17″ />&#160;<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.&#160; 616-794-2527</p>

<p>They sell local meat, raised without growth hormones or animal filler in the feed.&#160; 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 &quot;cage-free&quot; 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.&#160; </p>

Unless otherwise credited, photos are owned by the author or used with a license from Canva or Deposit Photos.

68 thoughts on “Local Grand Rapids Real Food Farms & Resources”

  1. David Staskiewicz

    TS Farmstead would appreciate being added to this list as well.
    www.tsfarmstead.com
    We offer Chicken and Duck Eggs from Poultry fed non-gmo feed.

    We also have a limited supply of honey available, we are working to increase that limited supply.

    Thank you!

  2. We are a new farm in Grand Haven MI, Wood Pigs & Pastured chickens (meat birds and eggs) would love to be listed as a farm!

      1. No Problem The JAELA Farm is located at 13410 Ferris St Grand Haven MI 49417. Our Phone number is 616-414-4144 we are currently working on a website, our facebook page is

        www.facebook.com/theJAELAfarm/

        Twitter @theJAELAfarm

        Instagram theJAELAfarm

        We are dedicated to raising our animals on grass and if needed Non-GMO supplement.

  3. Becca Schwartz

    Hi Katie,

    I would love to add our farm to this resource! We are www.greybirdpastures.com and are @greybirdpasture on most social media outlets. We raise pasture beef, pork, chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, and eggs on our farm and use non-gmo feeds from our local Amish mill. All of our meat, eggs, and milk are raised with love on our 14 acre farm in Ravenna, MI. 🙂

  4. Whitney Belprez

    Hi Katie!

    Thanks so much for listing our farm on your resource page! I just wanted to make a few quick updates – here is what I’d like our description to read:

    “At Two Sparrows Farm & Dairy we produce hormone, antibiotic-free, & non-GMO raw milk, grassfed beef, pastured pork, chickens, Thanksgiving turkeys, and free-range eggs.”

    We are excited to have added our raw milk herd shares (with delivery available) in the past year and have transitioned to become 100% non-GMO. Our grain is grown by Melody Bee Farms in Ada and mixed at Starbard Farms Feed in Lowell. 🙂

    Thank you!
    -Whitney

    P.S. I heard your interview on the Entrefamily podcast and really enjoyed it! Hope you are enjoying being a full-time work-at-home family!

  5. Hey! We’re a small family run veggie CSA (community supported agriculture) farm located in north east Kent County. We deliver to Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, right to your home or office! Check out our website to learn about our standards and give us a call to visit the farm. We love seeing new faces!

  6. This has been such an invaluable resource for me since I’ve started my real food journey. It’s my go-to guideline when I go to the Fulton Farmer’s Market. I’ve started looking into other resources and found Otto’s chickens and turkey and (I think!?) is a good company. Their whole chicken is $2.19/lb which beats S&S Lamb for $3.49/lb. However, as I continue my journey I get confused on what to look for. For example, between these two companies– why the large price difference? They are both local and non-organic. What are the right questions to ask or the right information to look for? It’s so hard look know what to look for when labeling can be deceiving (ie chicken is advertised as no growth hormones, but really no chicken is given growth hormones). Any insight? Thank you!

    1. Ella,
      Glad this guide is helpful!! I am guessing, although I haven’t visited either farm, that Otto’s is a pretty large-scale farm, and it’s possible that the chickens aren’t outside much. I get the impression that S&S is a smaller farmer and the birds probably run around outside a lot. Is Otto’s local? I thought they were in Indiana or somewhere…they are in a lot of butcher shops around here, and stores too. Seems “big” to me…? With chickens I would ask about the feed – you want it to have no meds in it of course, and if it is non-GMO that’s a huge plus, organic is great of course, corn and soy aren’t great but are ubiquitous it seems – but the BEST answer is that they eat a lot of grass and bugs because they’re outside a lot. Adding flax or calcium for omega 3s or shell hardness is a perk too. Hope that helps! 🙂 Katie

  7. I will be new to the GR area this summer and this list is so helpful! Thanks for compiling! On a side note I have a cousin who runs Doorganics, a local organic delivery service. You may want to add that. And, I am also looking for a community of like minded parents. Do you happen to know of any local Waldorf groups in the area?? Thanks for any info you may have!

    1. Kristin,
      I’m sorry but I don’t know of Waldorf groups – wonder if you can do a Facebook group search? I’m in one for Catholic moms and I bet there’s a good one for homeschooling in general…Donielle of http://naturalfertilityandwellness.com/ might have her finger on the pulse of that better. I’ve worked with Doorganics before and didn’t think of it as local – or am I thinking of something else? This was more a national company that delivers locally – same thing?

      Thanks!
      🙂 Katie

      1. Katie,
        Doorganics is a local GR company delivering local produce to homes. Check out their website. https://www.doorganicsgr.com/about-us.

  8. Great list! Another resource that wasn’t listed her is Good News Market & Farm in Cedar Lake, MI. They have a FarmBox program where you can pay a flat rate for a weekly box of organic produce. You can either take what they give you or customize. It also doesn’t have commitment the way a CSA does, you can suspend your deliveries or cancel at any time.

    They have numerous drop locations in the Grand Rapids area.

  9. Pingback: Friday Five: Why I Grand Rapids | Fit For Thirty

  10. Very helpful list! Thanks for sharing. May I suggest you also look into Liberty Family Farms in Hart, MI – Liberty Family Farm and Bakery on Facebook. They sell at Sweetwater Mkt. in Muskegon as well as in Pentwater. They also sell bakery items, including wonderful breakfast cookies, at various sites.

  11. Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful information… it will come in handy for starting the change in my life…Again Thank you soo much for this information…

  12. Nourish Organic Market is an awesome little grocery store. I’ve shopped at this store several times and have always been met by friendly staff members. They have a great selection of local meats and they taste great. I love the milk also that they have from Hilhoff Dairy. I was just there today, and they now offer pork lard that I will be trying soon. This list of companies on this site is awesome. Thanks Katie for the informative list. One more thing, I tried ground pork from Crane Dance Farm, awesome.

    1. Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship

      Natasha,
      I actually just covered this on the blog, but local readers and I agree that we need a local butter artisan! There’s not an excellent option that I know of in the greater GR area…some ideas here:
      http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2012/07/12/how-to-find-butter-thats-better/

      🙂 Katie

  13. Katie – have you heard of 8th Day Farms? They are in Holland – you really just need to come out here and I will show you what’s what. Anywho, 8th Day is an URBAN farm – they have 2 sites, one behind a Lutheran church in south Holland, and the other is actually in the middle of the pretty deserted outlet mall. They tore up the concrete in the middle of the mall’s parking lot and put in a farm! They have a CSA and while they are not certified organic, they do not spray or use petroleum based fertilizers. Actually, they can’t be certified because they compost all the spent grain from New Holland Brewing (talk about awesome- but the grain is not organic) .

  14. Does anyone know where to find raw or flash-pasteurized goat milk at the farmer’s market or a farm around the area?

    1. Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship

      Laura,
      My friend Donielle gets goat milk down in Dorr (she’s at http://naturallyknockedup.com/). I also know there’s a place in Belmont, but I don’t know its name. Good luck! 🙂 Katie

    2. Hey there – I have heard great things about Country Winds Farm in Zeeland – but have not checked them out personally. They have a creamery and a goat’s milk share. Here is their local harvest info: http://www.localharvest.org/country-winds-farm-goat-share-and-creamery-llc-M11750

  15. Kirsten Evans

    I knew there was something I liked about you!!! I was born in Petoskey, MI… my grandparents lived in Grand Rapids. Beautiful, God’s country. Now the TX Panhandle is my home. 😉

  16. Laura's Last Ditch--Vintage Kitchenwares

    We go to Angelus Farm for our raw milk, and are very happy with it.

  17. I live in the Newaygo area. There is a meat market up this way called “Bird’s Market”. Their meat is all hormone free/antibiotic free and their prices are great! (As in $1.49/# for boneless/skinless chicken breast on special). Thanks so much for this list. It’s wonderful!!

  18. WOW, love it I didn’t realize that you AND Kelly the Kitchen Kop are both from GR!!! I am blown away, I just finished reading Nourishing Traditions and want to completely overhaul my food lifestyle, and didn’t know where to start and here we go I have 2 resources online and LOCAL (almost) ready to spell out the steps!!! Yay, am so happy. Thank You for your website!!!!

  19. If you haven’t yet, I’d recommend checking out this restaurant for local fare:
    http://www.amoretrattoriaitaliana.com/index.html

  20. I was wondering what the name of that place in GR is that has been refurbished into a commerical kitchen for people to rent..anyone know? Thank you!

    1. Sorry, Judy, that one doesn’t sound familiar…but fascinating! It’s not the place where you used to be able to make a dozen meals to take home and freeze, is it? Good luck! 🙂 Katie

  21. Thanks Katie for this great resource! I’m from the NW side and have been feeling that I need to feed my family more natural, whole foods.

    Have you heard anything about Sobie’s Meats in Walker?

    1. i’m on the nw too 🙂 i’ve also wondered about sobies-i drive by it all the time, but have never stopped-maybe i should!

      1. I am also a NW Sider and shop at Sobie’s quite often. If I remember correctly, owners Tim & Teresa Sobie bring in locally grown, hormone – free beef and pork. They do sell chicken & eggs & Country Dairy non-BGH cheese, but you can always call and ask. They seem like really good business – people who care about their community!

        Here’s another one for you…are you aware that Kingma’s Market has a Meat Dept that is totally locally-owned and sourced and are completely hormone-free. They have beef, pork, chicken, as well as making their own sausage and jerky. It’s way better than Van Ball’s!!!!!!!!!!

    2. Kristy,
      Your timing is amazing – I just checked with a friend to find out the name of this butcher. I haven’t been there, but my friend has and counts them as a step up from CAFO meat, for sure. Lots of local, some grassfed partially…one of those places you’ll just have to go in and ask some questions, but definitely worth a visit. I want to say he has big sales in May, so do it soon! 😉 Katie

  22. Pingback: My weekly musings #2 » My Frugal Fun Life

  23. Thank you so much from Jenison for this list! What a huge help! I haven’t made it to the Raw Milk stage yet, we only drink about a 1/2 gallon a week and get Hilhof Dairy milk at Harvest Health….but I’m getting closer all the time to Raw, and I love all of your info and options!

  24. Gina Fosdick

    I live in Coldwater, MI and I love this site! Thanks for the list I was wondering if there is a food-coop in my area? Any suggestions?

    1. Gina,
      I wish I had a lead for you, but I have no contacts over on that side of the state! Just start asking around… 🙂 Katie

  25. Hi Katie-

    Just found your blog…wish I would have found it sooner!

    Looks like we get our milk from the same place!

    Just wanted to let you know there is a great CSA in Alto – Wildwood Family Farms. They also offer pork, poultry and eggs.

    This will be our second year with them and cannot wait for our first basket of goodies!

  26. oh my goodness-this list is awesome!!! I’ve been wanting to switch to local food sources and had NO idea there was so many options in the GR area! I’m heading to Grassfield for the first time on Thursday, and after looking at your list I realized I live like 4 minutes away from Lubbers farm! How did I not know this was here?! Their right down the road from my in-laws and I drive by their farm all the time!
    It sounds like they’re going to start a farm store this summer-so excited!
    I’m going to shop at the Fulton Street Farmers market this summer (first time)-I’ve also heard good things about the Holland Farmers market (and it’s supposed to be huge). Have you ever shopped at Holland? If so, how does it compare with Fulton street’s?
    I’ve been a follower of your blog for a while now and only realized we lived in the same area a few days ago lol! Your blog is a fantastic resource-thanks so much for all the work you put into it 🙂

    1. Sara,
      I’ve never been to the Holland market but also hear good things about it, even from vendors from the Fulton Market who also go there. Enjoy! 🙂 Katie

    1. Conni,
      My farm makes bulk orders through Country Life! Yes, they’re great for bulk grains, beans, etc. Thanks! 🙂 Katie

    1. Jess,
      Cedar Crest is partially if not fully grassfed, I believe. It’s a tough one to find! 🙂 Katie

  27. re: VanBall’s/Pat’s, we buy most of our meat from Creswick Farms via WMCo-op, I was excited to read that you had a meat/seafood place on your list as I don’t know a good local source for wild caught fish. we just did a drive-by of Pat’s (we live near Caledonia) and umm…??? not sure how to proceed. definitely not a storefront. i know you go to the downtown one and i should probably just give them a call but do you know if they’re selling from their house? didn’t feel comfortable ringing the doorbell 🙂 thanks!!

    1. Jess,
      No, I had no idea! We’re right up near Plainfield, and I added the Pat’s location b/c it was on their business card. I guess a call is the way to go – how funny! 🙂 Katie

  28. great comprehensive list!! wish i would’ve found it when we moved here two years ago! i’ve spent so many hours on this silly computer making my own list 🙂

  29. Makes me wish my husband gets a job close to GR when he is done. Love your blog and all that you do!!!!!!

  30. Wow! Great info! We’re on the Westside of GR. I am so excited to find blogs with local information. Check out Grand Rapids, come for Artprize, stay for the blogs!

  31. 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.

    1. Terri,
      Start with localharvest.org and realmilk.com for some state-by-state listings…
      🙂 Katie

  32. Lenetta @ Nettacow

    I think this might fit, Katie – http://www.magiclandfarms.com/
    They’re in Fremont, MI.

  33. 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.

  34. Marcia Van Drunen

    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”?

    1. Marcia,
      Heh. Yes. Kind of funny typo there…that would be “humane”, and thank you for catching it!! 🙂 Katie

  35. 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!

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