Where to Get Fresh, Local Produce in the Ann Arbor Area During the Pandemic
Southeast Michigan and our Ann Arbor area communities have been built on a strong agriculture history. As a result, we’re usually blessed with year-round farmers’ markets, local farms and other agricultural experiences. Unfortunately, in light of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, some of these organizations have closed their doors to the public—making it harder for us to both support small businesses and to get our hands on fresh, local produce.
Luckily, many individuals in our community have stepped up to the challenge, with small grocery stores, co-ops and meal delivery services now working directly with local farmers to provide curbside pickup and delivery of all your favorite goods. So if you’re on the hunt for some fresh fruits, veggies and other farm-fresh goods—this list is for you!
Agricole Farm Stop | Chelsea
A Chelsea area favorite, Agricole Farm Stop brings together the convenience of grocery store shopping with the directness of a farmers’ market. Right now, they are continuing to sell fresh, locally-sourced produce, meats, eggs, dairy, dry goods, bread and more, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Make sure to follow them on Facebook to get updates on their curbside service and online orders.
Argus Farm Stop | Ann Arbor
Photo courtesy of Will Brinkerhoff via Argus Farm Stop
Argus Farm Stop is basically a year-round farmers’ market with two locations around the Ann Arbor area. Their mission is to grow the local agricultural community by providing a place where local farms can sell their produce and other goods to consumers year-round. During the pandemic, they are working directly with the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market to carry more items than usual to continue to support A2 area farmers. You can purchase goods online and pick up your order at the store of your choice. They are also offering deliveries by staff and volunteers on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Green Things Farm Collective | Ann Arbor
What was once three businesses is now one in 2020. Ann Arbor Seed Company, Green Things Farm and the LandLoom are now Green Things Farm Collective. Unlike any other farming businesses, Green Things cares more about diversity of product, consideration of ecological systems, personal touch, and community capital over profit. That’s why we aren’t surprised that they are doing everything they can to support our community right now. Currently, you can place orders online for local produce, dairy, meats, bread, honey and more—to be picked up at their farm stand on Saturdays. Click here to peruse their current offerings.
Michigan Farm to Family | Ann Arbor
Photo courtesy of Michigan Farm to Family
Michigan Farm to Family launched in 2016, and works hard every day of the year to connect your family with local, Michigan farmers and food artisans. They only work within 150 miles of their warehouse in Ann Arbor and only work with small family farms. You can order a wide range of organic produce, meat, seafood, dairy products, honey, canned goods and more on their website and either have it delivered straight to your home or pick your order up from the comfort of your car at a designated location.
People’s Food Co-Op | Ann Arbor
People’s Food Co-Op has been an Ann Arbor staple for almost 50 years, offering a wide range of all-natural and organic foods. Here, you can buy bulk lentils, flour, peanut butter, honey and so much more to help save on packaging and support local farmers and artisans. During the pandemic, they have limited hours—8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays—and have closed all of their hot food bars. But you are still welcome to visit and pick up as much locally sourced food as you want. The public is encouraged to wear masks and keep several feet of space between other people.
The Produce Station | Ann Arbor
The Produce Station had its beginnings in 1979 as a response to the Ann Arbor community’s desire for higher quality produce. Back then, the building was a wholesale warehouse for Frog Holler Produce Co. Today, it is a destination for Ann Arbor locals to purchase food, produce, dairy, beer and cider all from Michigan businesses. To help keep their customers safe, they have recently launched phone and email ordering and curbside pickup so you can purchase groceries without having to put yourself at risk. Click here to get started on your grocery order.
Ypsilanti Food Co-Op | Ypsilanti
Located in Depot Town, the Ypsilanti Food Co-Op offers produce, baked goods, coffee, dairy items, meats, snacks, and other food items from Michigan farms and businesses (you can find their entire vendor list here!) Currently, they are open for curbside pickup from 12-7 p.m. daily. You can email your shopping list to [email protected] to place your order.
White Lotus Farms | Ann Arbor
One of Ann Arbor’s favorite farms is now offering social distance shopping! White Lotus Farms, a produce farm, creamery, bakery and more, lets you order your grocery items online for pickup. And in an effort to support other local small businesses and farms, they are now also selling quality products from Roos Roast Coffee, Nemeth Orchards, Boochy Mama Kombucha, Go Ice Cream and more—so that you can support all of your favorite A2 businesses in one go.
Zilke Farm Kitchen | Milan
Zilke Farm Kitchen is pretty much a busy food lover’s dream! Here’s how it works: each week, they email you a delicious, seasonal menu packed with local produce, designed to take care of two diners at home. It’s fully customizable, giving you the chance to order extra meal kits or swap out menu items. Then you just drive to their pickup locations in Milan, Saline or Ann Arbor and voila—you have dinner figured out! And it isn’t just convenient, it also helps support farmers on the southside of the county and into Monroe and Lenawee counties.
What did we miss?
If we missed your favorite local produce destination, let us know! We would love to add them to our growing list.
