There are a wealth of opportunities to find fresh produce in Macomb County ranging from community gardens and farmers markets to supermarkets and orchards. Another avenue to find locally grown food is roadside farm stands.
In search of farm stands, I came across rows of orange pumpkins, stacks of green and white heirloom pumpkins and flowering mums piled in front of greenhouses at Kutchey Family Farm on 26 Mile Road in Macomb Township. Outside of the small market were bins of watermelons, squash and homegrown sweet corn. Inside was filled with nutritious fruits and vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, celery, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, apples and pears. They also carried other staples like brown eggs, bread and a few packaged goods.
As I traveled on, my eye was caught by a cute farm cart at Schneider Farms on North Avenue south of 24 Mile Road. In addition to pumpkins, mums and dried corn stalks, they had their vegetable basics covered, offering corn, green peppers, eggplants, butternut squash, onions and cherry tomatoes. They also had eggs and honey and were even high tech enough to accept WIC.
Both places grow most of the crops themselves, but they also carry some food from other Michigan farms. They are open throughout the growing season, closing Oct. 31 or as long as their harvests last. Many Macomb County farmers markets will also wrap up at the end of October or early November.
I like to grow my own carrots, beets, kale, collard greens and herbs at Urban Seed, Eastpointe’s community garden. Where is your favorite place to find fresh produce in Macomb County?
Caitlin Gerds Habermas is an associate planner for the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development. This article was featured on the Make Macomb Your Home Blog in October 2016.