• We are increasing production on the Growing Hope Urban Farm. Though our farm is currently closed to the public for the safety of our farm staff and the community, we are increasing production of seedlings and expanding our growing efforts. All food harvested from our farm is currently being donated weekly to Hope Clinic (518 Harriet St. Ypsilanti, MI – please call ahead to request emergency supplies at 734-484-2989). We also donated a limited supply of seeds and garden kits, which can also be requested.
• We are supporting our Ypsilanti Farmers Market vendors. Our vendors rely on farmers markets to sell their products and our market customers rely on this community resource to buy fresh food. We are working with our partners to set up an online purchasing system to keep our vendors connected to their customers – updates will be available for this initiative by April 13th.
• We are continuing our Home Vegetable Garden Program. This program offers participants everything needed to start a home vegetable garden including seedlings, a raised bed, soil, and educational materials. All supplies will be delivered with no or minimal contact, and our staff will check in with participants to supply gardening tips and resources. We are prioritizing lower-income families with children in the Ypsilanti Community School district. The program is currently full, but we are hoping to expand. Experienced local gardeners who would be interested in being a Home Vegetable Garden Program mentor are encouraged to apply here.
• We moved our spring Workshops for Farmers & Food Businesses online. Even in these uncertain times, startup food businesses and farmers need training on food safety, licensing, and business planning. We have a great lineup of experts ready to help. Tune in on Monday evenings for free virtual workshops. Check out the schedule on our calendar.
• We are providing gardening and cooking education online. Our staff knows their stuff and they want to get you excited about spring! We are creating video workshops and demonstrations for gardening and cooking for adults and kids to do at home that will soon be available on our social media pages.
•  We are using our connections to keep you informed about resources. We work with a number of community partners that supply emergency food and resources to the community. We will continue to work with them to share information and resources available to those in need. Here is a resource list from Washtenaw County.

As we stay informed about growing public concern about the spread of COVID-19 and with recommendations for community organizations from the Washtenaw County Health Department and Governor Whitmer’s office, Growing Hope has made alternative arrangements or canceled our public events for the time being. We will be posting updates to our social media and website as we move forward.

Growing Hope Public Event Cancellations:

• Indoor Ypsilanti Farmers Markets through the end of April
• Volunteer opportunities at the Growing Hope Urban Farm and Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace through April 13th
• Ypsi Food Fight