Eastern Market and the City of Detroit announce $225,000 in available grant funding to support Detroit-based farmers and farmer collectives

• Funding will advance food access, climate education, and sustainable land use

Eastern Market Partnership (Eastern Market), in collaboration with the City of Detroit's Office of Sustainability Urban Agriculture Division, today announced the availability of $225,000 in total grant funding for Detroit-based farmers and farmer collectives serving the broader public.

The funding aims to advance food access, environmental education, climate resilience, and sustainable land use while expanding sales opportunities for local growers. The funds will be awarded through a Request for Proposal process now open through October 30th and will grant three collectives $50,000 each and five individual farmers $15,000 each.

"Urban farming is central to Detroit's future," said Katy Trudeau, Eastern Market President and CEO. "By directing resources to growers, we are building stronger food systems, healthier communities, and more resilient neighborhoods."

The grants prioritize Black- and Indigenous-led farms, youth-led projects, and initiatives rooted in historically disinvested neighborhoods. Awards will support programming that directly serves the public through education, engagement, and demonstration, supporting Detroiters' access to fresh, healthy food and knowledge of sustainable farming practices. Eligible projects include educational workshops, farm tours, composting programs, soil health education, food safety trainings, cooking demonstrations, youth programming, and more.

The City's Office of Sustainability Urban Agriculture Division, led by Patrice Brown, supports Detroit farmers to navigate land access and city resources, making her perspective vital to this announcement.

"Our city is transforming the way we support local farms as they work to overcome the many challenges that occur with day-to-day operations," said Patrice Brown, City of Detroit's Director of Urban Agriculture. "We are excited to assist with growing our farming community with reliable trainings and support for production farms at the urban level. This investment will help bring more nutrient-dense foods to residents and institutions that serve residents in Detroit."

Councilmember Angela Whitfield-Calloway, who directed funding toward this initiative, brings the voice of City Council and its commitment to neighborhood food sovereignty.

"Growing up, my family and I could walk to a neighborhood grocery store for fresh food," said Councilmember Angela Whitfield-Calloway. "Today, our local gas stations have evolved into our grocery stores, operating as mini markets. My priority is taking care of our families. That's why I advocate at the council table for stronger food systems and proudly support investments in Detroit-based farmers. I believe this funding will help bridge the gap, sustain our farmers, assist them in scaling up, and promote knowledge sharing across our communities."

The initiative also supports Eastern Market's broader strategy to grow opportunities for Detroit farmers. In recent years, the Market has expanded programming for small-scale urban growers, including dedicated vending space at Saturday Markets, participation in LFPA food box purchasing, and expanded cold storage and distribution space at Shed 7, a wholesale facility set to open in Spring 2026.

The RFP is available here. Grants will be announced in November and awarded for work starting in December.

About Eastern Market

Eastern Market has been a driving force in Detroit's food economy for more than 130 years. The market supports hundreds of farmers and small food businesses, helping to create a resilient local food system that serves Detroit and the surrounding region. As one of the nation's largest public markets, Eastern Market attracts over 2 million visitors each year and is a hub of fresh food, community connection and entrepreneurship. With its commitment to racial equity, affordability and economic opportunity, Eastern Market continues to shape the future of Detroit's economy. Visit Easternmarket.orgto discover more about our vendors, events, and how you can support local businesses.

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