Come as you are. Leave with what you need. Return when you can.

Beloved community,

This season, as we plant new seeds of possibility and dig deeper into our shared commitment to nourishment and justice, I’m overjoyed to share something truly special: our brand-new produce stand, a beautiful structure dreamed up and built by the youth of Brightmoor Makerspace. It stands as a declaration—not just of what is possible, but of what is already happening when we invest in our young people, listen to the land, and center care in our collective work.

Positioned near the parking lot for easier access, the new stand features a solid platform and a ramp—making it easier for neighbors with mobility challenges, elders with walkers, or caregivers pushing strollers to roll right up and gather what they need. More than just a structure, it’s an invitation:

Come as you are. Leave with what you need. Return when you can.

We’ve expanded the space to offer more. More produce, more flowers, more herbs, more abundance shared in community. And we’re able to do that because this isn’t just our stand; it’s yours. Our longstanding model of solidarity over scarcity continues: growers and farmers from across the county bring their surplus here, ensuring that good food never goes to waste, and that dignity remains on the table for all who visit.

The need this season is real. Inflation is high, and legislative shifts have cut the legs out from under programs that once helped meet people where they’re at. Trusted partners, agencies, and food providers are being forced to scale back or shut down. And yet—our produce cart remains open, every single day of the week. No ID checks. No income tests. No red tape.

If you need food, it’s yours. Period.

We’ll begin stocking the stand later this month. We usually fill it in the mornings, but please don’t hesitate to call ahead.

This is the work of youth, farmers, and neighbors who understand that liberation tastes like tomatoes in July and basil on your fingers and peaches you didn’t have to ask permission to pick.

Come through. Eat well. And keep building with us.

In solidarity and soil,

Julius

P.S. Don’t miss Pizza on the Farm—Thursday, May 23! Join us for wood-fired pizza, farm tours, and storytelling under the sky. It’s a gathering of hearts, mouths, and movements. Let’s eat, learn, and build together. RSVP here.

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It's National Farmers Market Week!

By Julius Buzzard • August 5, 2025

Beloved community, This week, we celebrate something powerful: National Farmers Market Week . Here in Ypsilanti, we take that celebration a step further; thanks to a unanimous proclamation from City Council, this is officially Ypsilanti Farmers Market Week . I had the honor of standing before our City Council to share what many of you already know in your bones: the Ypsilanti Farmers Market is more than a place to buy produce. It’s a cornerstone of our local economy, a launchpad for food entrepreneurs, and a living, breathing expression of food justice. From the dozens of businesses that have found their start here to the thousands of residents who count on us for fresh, affordable food, our market is growing something deeper than vegetables, we’re growing community power. We were the third farmers market in the state of Michigan to accept food assistance , and we're not stopping there. With federal shifts creating instability in food access programs, we’re doubling down, creating new systems and access points to ensure every neighbor has a dignified path to nourishment. Every SNAP match, every Produce Prescription, every Market Navigator is a thread in a safety net we’ve woven together; because no one should fall through. And beyond the programs and policies, something else blooms here: joy . Every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM, downtown Ypsilanti becomes a space for connection; where elders, youth, growers, artists, and neighbors gather to build a just, vibrant local food system with their hands and hearts. This week, we’re pulling out all the stops. Come for Ypsi Food Fest on Saturday, stay for local food and produce, live music, youth programming, and the kind of community energy that gives us all hope. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a weekly regular, we’d love to see you there. In solidarity and gratitude, Julius P.S. Don’t miss our Summer SNAP Series on our blog , where we’re following workers, providers, and recipients of SNAP and SNAP-Ed throughout Washtenaw County. Their stories illuminate the human impacts of funding cuts, and offer tangible ways you can stand up for local food systems.

This Place Is Magic

By Julius Buzzard • August 1, 2025

Integrating Food Access and Preventive Care at The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor

A Recipe for Community Health

By Julius Buzzard • July 31, 2025

With SNAP-Ed funding set to expire, Washtenaw County risks losing a low-cost, high-impact program that brought nutrition and joy into classrooms, parks, and farmers markets.

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