Targeted Local Food Systems Investments and Infrastructure: Producing Measurable Impacts for Farmers and Communities — Webinar

October 23, 2026 - Jude Barry<barryjud@msu.edu>, Jamie Rahrig<rahrigj1@msu.edu>, May Tsupros<tsupros1@msu.edu>, Phil Warsaw<warsawph@msu.edu>

Federal and state investments in local food purchasing infrastructure have generated significant returns over the last five years, increasing capacity for local food purchasing and stimulating impacts for producers and consumers. On October 8, 2026, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) hosted food systems leaders, policy and funding decision makers, state agency leaders, and partners on a webinar reviewing the implications of the findings from the 2025 National Food Hub Survey, Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (U.S. and Michigan), and 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms.

This webinar, Targeted Local Food Systems Investments and Infrastructure: Producing Measurable Impacts for Farmers and Communities, included speakers:

Dr. Judith Barry, Associate Director, CRFS
Dr. Phil Warsaw, Assistant Professor, MSU Department of Community Sustainability, CRFS Faculty Associate
Jamie Rahrig, Director of Food and Farm Business Assistance, CRFS
May Tsupros, Director of Farm to Institution Programs, CRFS

Participants engaged in an online discussion related to review of the studies presented by the speakers. The session was recorded and is available to view along with the online discussion activity. Resources supporting the session are linked below.

This work was supported by funding by the United States Department of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Education, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Missed this session?

Join us on November 9, 2 – 3:30 PM EST for another webinar session of The Time is Now! Targeted Local Food Systems Investments and Infrastructure: Producing Measurable Impacts for Farmers and Communities. Registration is required.

About Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems

The Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems advances regionally-rooted food systems through applied research, education, and outreach. We do this by uniting the knowledge and experience of diverse stakeholders with that of MSU faculty and staff. Our work fosters a thriving economy, equity, and sustainability for Michigan, the nation, and the planet by advancing systems that produce food that is healthy, green, fair, and affordable. Learn more: foodsystems.msu.edu

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Center for Regional Food Systems