2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Coordinated by the Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan Farmers Market Association and the MSU Department of Horticulture, the Hoophouses for Health program was launched in 2011 with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Hoophouses for Health was designed to achieve two main objectives: (1) expand season extension capacity of Michigan vegetable crop producers and (2) increase access to Good Food for vulnerable children and their families. Through this innovative initiative, producers apply for a zero-interest, five-year “loan” to build a hoophouse that they then pay back in produce instead of cash. Producers receive production technical assistance and support in building marketing relationships through area farmers markets and with schools and early childcare providers. As a result, children where the program operates have increased access to fresh, healthy, Michigan foods at home, in their community, and through early childhood and school food programs. Now supporting more than 50 Michigan producers, the program brings together a diverse group of community stakeholders including 17 farmers markets, 26 partner agencies, 17 K-12 schools and 12 early childcare programs. In 2016, approximately $213,00 was distributed to farmers to build hoophouses and $118,000 in fresh, healthy foods was distributed to vulnerable families with young children. More than 9,000 pounds of produce including tomatoes, winter squash, cucumbers, lettuces and mixed salad greens, and onions were distributed through Farm to School sales. Over the course of the program, more than 191,000 square feet of hoophouse growing space has been funded. This effective program can be adapted at the community, state or regional level to promote season extension production capacity and sustain healthy eating for vulnerable children and their families.