Detroit Urban Farmers Get $225K Boost To Help Feed Local Communities

A new $225,000 grant program, backed by Detroit officials and Eastern Market Partnership, aims to boost food production in city neighborhoods. The funds split into chunks - three groups will get $50,000 each, while five farmers will receive $15,000 grants.

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

The application window runs from September 26 to October 30. Black and Indigenous-led farms are prioritized, along with youth initiatives and projects in underserved areas. Grant money will support hands-on workshops, farm tours, composting education, soil studies, food safety instruction, and cooking demonstrations.

Food scarcity hits Detroit hard - a staggering 69% of homes lack steady access to fresh food, based on Detroit Food Policy Council data. Yet hope grows in over 2,200 urban gardens and farms sprouting across the city.

"They provide all kinds of eco-services and food and nutrition to our communities. So it's important that the city step up and support when we can," said Tepfirah Rushdan, director of sustainability for Detroit, per WXYZ.

The grant fits into a bigger picture at Eastern Market. Spring 2026 will see Shed 7 transform into a wholesale center with cold storage, giving local growers much-needed space for their crops.

Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway shared a stark contrast: "Growing up, my family and I could walk to a neighborhood grocery store for fresh food. Today, our local gas stations have evolved into our grocery stores, operating as mini markets."

Danielle Daguio from Keep Growing Detroit sees past the harvest: "People can have their own autonomy, their own agency to be able to grow their own food, know how it's being grown, where it's being grown, what they're able to grow," Daguio said.

Eastern Market's vendor count tells a story of resilience. COVID knocked the number of Detroit farmers from 54 to eight, but it's climbed back to 44 in 2023. Meanwhile, the Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund has put over 20 acres into Black farmers' hands since 2020.

November brings the winner announcements. Interested farmers should check Eastern Market's website to submit applications.