State approves $481,000 grant to expand Muskegon farmers market, support local food businesses

State approves $481,000 grant to expand Muskegon farmers market

MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Muskegon Farmers Market will receive a state grant to expand its indoor market and Kitchen 242 space. The $481,267 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will support food entrepreneurs and drive foot traffic to downtown Muskegon. Final approvals were completed earlier in the week for the project.

Grant supports 100+ local food businesses

The funding will improve annual food production at the market and give Kitchen 242 the resources to support more vendors. Officials say the project strengthens the West Michigan regional food system and serves as an entry point for emerging food entrepreneurs.

"Since its construction ten years ago, the Muskegon Farmers market has been a catalyst of development and change," State Representative Will Snyder, D-Muskegon, said in a statement. "I am excited by this project and how it will further transform our community."

Mayor says funds will drive downtown foot traffic

Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson said the grant will support many local small food businesses. He added that the money will circulate federal nutrition assistance dollars directly to local farmers and strengthen the regional food system.

"The City of Muskegon is appreciative that these state funds will support 100+ food-based small businesses annually; drive substantial seasonal foot traffic to downtown Muskegon; circulate federal nutrition assistance dollars directly to local farmers; serve as an entry point for emerging food entrepreneurs; and strengthen the West Michigan regional food system," Johnson said in a statement.

The Muskegon Farmers Market has been operating for a decade and has grown into a major regional food destination. The new grant will help maintain and expand its capacity to serve the community.