Eastern Market To Get Urban Ag Grant

LANSING (WWJ) -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Charter One Growing Communities program Tuesday will announce grants totaling $100,000 to foster the local food economy and Detroit's health.

The event will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Eastern Market's Shed 3. Eastern Market President Dan Carmody will host the event, with other scheduled speakers Ken Marblestone, president, Charter One and RBS Citizens, Michigan and Ohio; Michael A. Finney, president and CEO, MEDC; Barbara McCallahan, director of community affairs for U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow; George Jackson, president and CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corp.; and other local vendors and food system entrepreneurs.

The grants will be used by a diverse array of small enterprises to buy equipment, acquire land or otherwise assist in their growth. Some of the grants will be used to help ensure that nutritious food, such as fresh, local produce, is made available in Detroit neighborhoods that are underserved by grocery stores.

The event is called "From Motown To Growtown." Eastern Market Shed 3 is at 2943 Russell St. in Detroit.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit www.michigan.org.