Michigan’s communities have long been defined by resilience, strong neighborhood ties and a deep sense of local pride. But across the state, many families still struggle to consistently access fresh, nutritious food.
According to Feeding America, roughly 1 in 6 Michiganders experiences food insecurity, which underscores the growing need for community-based solutions that make nutritious food more accessible.
To help address that need, Shipt is expanding several initiatives across Michigan this year with a goal to support nonprofits, farmers markets and community-led programs already working to improve food access at a local level.
“Shipt is committed to expanding access to fresh, nutritious food, but we know that lasting change comes from within the community,” said Ricardo Vargas, chief people and community officer at Shipt. “We are incredibly proud to stand alongside Michigan’s local leaders, invest in and amplify the incredible initiatives already making a difference across the state.”
Planting the seeds: Garden Grants
One of the newest efforts is the Garden Grants initiative, which was developed to support community-led urban garden projects across the country, including right here in Detroit.
The program will help 11 organizations in Detroit establish, improve or expand community gardens. Funding supports upgrades that can include anything from irrigation systems and lighting to walkways and trellises.
Community gardens not only provide fresh produce for residents, they create gathering spaces that encourage neighborhood connection and education around nutrition, wellness and sustainability.
Local grant recipients include:
- The Really Living Helping Hands Inc. (New Garden)
- United African Women Organization (Garden Expansion)
- Westminster Church Of Detroit (Garden Expansion)
- Messiah Center For Hope (Garden Expansion)
- Church Of Christ Westside (Garden Expansion)
- Central Detroit Christian (Garden Expansion)
- Greening Of Detroit (Garden Expansion)
- Bailey Park Project (Garden Expansion)
- Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (Garden Expansion)
- Yad Ezra Kosher Food Pantry (Garden Restoration)
- Michigan Urban Farming Initiative (Garden Restoration)
Long-term access: Community Impact Grants program
Shipt is also continuing its Community Impact Grants program, which supports nonprofits that aim to strengthen long-term food infrastructure and improve access to healthy food in underserved communities.
Since the initiative launched in 2022, more than 80 organizations nationwide -- including several in Michigan -- have received grants that total more than $1.2 million.
The program supports both newer and established nonprofits that focus on reducing hunger and building more sustainable local food systems.
Applications for the 2026 grant cycle are open through June 12.
Supporting local organizations making a difference
In addition to grants, Shipt is continuing its LadderUp Accelerator program, an eight-week program designed to help food-focused small businesses and nonprofits strengthen operations and expand their impact.
Organizations selected for the program receive a $5,000 grant, mentorship from industry leaders and opportunities to collaborate with peers working on similar challenges in their communities.
Five Michigan organizations were selected for this year’s cohort:
- E. Warren Development Corp (Detroit), which supports local businesses and community revitalization efforts through its farmers market initiatives. It aims to support local small businesses grow, sustain and thrive.
- Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation (Detroit), operator of the Northwest Detroit Farmers Market, which focuses on improving access to healthy food while supporting local farmers and small businesses. It also provides opportunities for the community to learn more about nutrition and wellness.
- Growing Hope Farmers Market (Ypsilanti), which works to create a more equitable local food system by empowering Michiganders to garden, sell, buy, prepare and eat healthy food.
- HOPE Village Farmers Market (Detroit), a community-led organization that works to improve neighborhood resources and opportunities for residents.
- People’s Food Co-op (Ann Arbor), a member-owned cooperative focused on providing accessible local and sustainable food products.
The LadderUp program is now in its fourth year and has previously supported several Michigan-based organizations, including Campbell’s Market Basket, Neighborhood Grocery and Pillar and Pride.
“This program opened our eyes to just how much there is to learn -- in the best way possible,” a representative from Campbell’s Market Basket shared while reflecting on the experience. “It was a valuable reminder that growth as a small business depends on staying curious, continuously learning and keeping an open mind about industry trends and changes.”
Investing in local food organizations can create ripple effects throughout communities, which will help residents access fresh food while supporting small businesses, neighborhood engagement and local economies.
For many Michigan communities, those grassroots efforts are becoming an increasingly important part of addressing food insecurity close to home.
To learn more about the efforts to reduce food security, click or tap here.