From Seed to Table: Join Our Exciting Fundraiser to Cultivate Healthy Food Choices!

NORWAY — This Saturday, the Dickinson County Fair and the Salvation Army’s Bread of Life Assistance Center in Kingsford are joining forces for a unique event called Seed to Table. From 9 a.m. to noon at the fairgrounds on U.S. 8 in Norway, attendees can bring five non-perishable items to gain access to an array of seed packets and gardening supplies.

As gardening season nears, this event aims to raise awareness of food insecurity in the community while providing fresh produce options. “It’s about empowering our community to grow their own food,” said Tara Coss, the director of the Salvation Army in Dickinson County. This collaboration is made possible through the Farm & Fairs Hunger-Relief Grant program.

Participants will find a variety of seeds for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. There will also be seed starter kits, pots, and gardening tools available, including shovels and gloves for both adults and kids—while supplies last. Attendees will be given shopping bags for their selections.

In addition to seed giveaways, several garden-themed baskets will be raffled off, adding a fun twist to the event. Michigan State University Extension will also be present with educational materials on gardening and fun activities for kids.

Despite the food pantry stigma that persists, Coss emphasizes the importance of sharing resources with the community. “Many people are unaware of the support available to them,” she stated. This event aims to change that perception.

Local 4-H youth will volunteer at the event as well, helping them learn about food insecurity and fostering a spirit of community service.

Fair board member Beth Bray mentioned, “We hope to see participants enter the produce they grow at the fair.” If all goes well, they might even create a special category for entries from the event.

After the fair, any fruit or vegetables grown from the Seed to Table seeds will be donated back to local food pantries, creating a complete circle of giving.

Bray first learned about the Farm and Fairs Hunger-Relief Grant through the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community,” she shared. This grant, funded collaboratively by MAFE and the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies, offers up to $750 to fairs aiming to bolster local food supplies.

Coss believes that this could become an annual event, expanding to include more pantries and resources if successful. “This year, we just want to get the seeds into the hands of our community,” she said. “It’s about starting something bigger.”

Bray hopes that everyone seizes this chance—not just to gather supplies but also to learn how to cultivate their own gardens.

Recent surveys reveal that food insecurity affects nearly 10% of households in the U.S., highlighting the need for community-driven initiatives like Seed to Table. Events like this not only provide immediate resources but also empower individuals with skills to grow their own food, fostering independence and resilience in the community.

By strengthening local support systems, we can work toward a brighter, more self-sufficient future. For more information about food security initiatives, you can check out resources from [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/), a nationwide network dedicated to combating hunger.

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Local News,Seed to Table: New fundraiser encourages growing healthy food