DETROIT – Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), visited Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and Eastern Market in Detroit on March 23. McDowell was traveling across the state of Michigan to meet with food and agricultural businesses as they advance during Michigan’s economic recovery.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to have conversations with the hard-working men and women who keep Michigan’s agricultural sector so strong and robust,” McDowell said. “The impact our industry makes is felt across the entire state, but especially in Detroit. The efforts going on in the city are well underway to strengthen Metro Detroit’s growing food sector as well as address food insecurity in southeast Michigan.”

Gleaners believes the systemic problem of hunger can be solved through collaboration, efficient operations, education and innovative solutions to achieve a hunger-free community in southeast Michigan.

Gleaners is committed to distributing nutritious, high-quality food to people in need. In collaboration with its partner agencies, the Feeding America network, and program partners, Gleaners is driving new solutions to improve the health and well-being of the entire southeast Michigan community.

Eastern Market, established in 1891, is committed to its mission of nourishing a healthier, wealthier, happier Detroit. Eastern Market is the most significant historic public market district in the country. It features a farmers’ distribution center and more than 150 food and specialty businesses; as well as a nonprofit sector that includes managing the public market and operating programs to strengthen Metro Detroit’s food sector. Eastern Market operates programs increasing access to healthy food and incubate and accelerate the growth of food businesses.

Throughout 2022, McDowell will be meeting with food and agricultural businesses across Michigan to have conversations focused on how they can continue to thrive in Michigan’s new economy and how best MDARD can assist their continuous development.