food

The food industry can be lucrative, but it is also a difficult industry in which to succeed. Ypsilanti-based Joyful Treats Community Development Corp. is giving young people a sturdy ladder to begin the climb. WEMU's David Fair looks at Joyful Treats “Celebrations” program with the organization's founder and executive director, Khadija Wallace. She explains how it equitably trains teens and young adults how to become food entrepreneurs, particularly young people of color.

Today, those at the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County are working to provide free meals to those in need over the holiday. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.

Independent restaurants serve Ypsilanti in just about every cuisine you can imagine. In fact, for restaurant owners, the city has become a desired location. In choosing Ypsilanti, they also work towards creating community. There are a number of eatery owners working to do just that, and Naj Hammoud is among them. He and his family own and operate Speedy’s Big Burgers, and he shared his story with Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is launching a new grant program to help agriculture businesses comply with environmental regulations. Colin Jackson has more.

Food insecurity is growing in Washtenaw County, and your local postal worker is doing something about it. On Saturday, May 13th, letter carriers in our community will participate in "National Stamp Out Hunger Day." When delivering your mail, postal workers will pick up the non-perishable food items you leave out and turn it all over to Food Gatherers for distribution. John Odegard is president of Local Branch 434 of the National Association of Letter Carriers. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the program and why letter carriers are working to make a different kind of difference for the people they serve.

The Growing Hope Urban Farm in Ypsilanti turns 20 next month. And as part of its 20th year, it's making some changes. It's growing hands-on workshops, like mushroom foraging and beekeeping and expanding its reach, so people in the community can invest in portions of the produce fields. And it's fine-tuning its farmer's market with additional focus on the online market. Growing Hope's new executive director, Julius Buzzard, talks all about Growing Hope's 20th year celebration activities with WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale.

Food prices are kicking a lot of people right where it hurts…the wallet. Supply issues during the pandemic and inflation are sending prices soaring. As a result, more people are beginning, or returning to, home gardens. Stacy Mates is seed company manager for the Green Things Farm Collective in Ann Arbor. She shares her expertise in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Michigan Medicine is continuing its efforts to address critical staffing issues across the organization. WEMU’s Taylor Pinson has more.

Thanksgiving meals are being offered Thursday across Washtenaw County for those who are alone or in need of a warm meal. And the latest data shows the numbers in need may be growing this year. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has the details.

Officials at the Hope Clinic say they’re seeing an increase in families seeking assistance this year for Thanksgiving. WEMU’s Taylor Pinson has more.