The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is a 105-year-old public market featuring over 100 vendors from across Michigan. The market offers a variety of local and sustainably produced produce, farm products, prepared food, beverages, and artisan items to the community year-round.
Sustainable Food Programs
What is Sustainable Food?
Our food choices matter. The food we put on our plates each day profoundly affects the wellbeing of our climate and environment, our bodies, our economy, and our communities. Food has the power to nourish us and bring us together – however, the current way that food is produced, packaged, transported, distributed, purchased, and consumed comes at a significant cost to our planetary, personal, and community health – a cost which is most often not reflected in the price of the food itself.
A²ZERO envisions a food system that ensures high-quality, nutritious food is accessible to all, promotes healthy communities, supports fair and sustainable production methods, remains resilient in the face of disruptions, and contributes to a more diverse and equitable society.
We define “sustainable food” as food that is procured or produced in such a way that (a) enhances community health and nutrition, (b) minimizes negative impacts to the climate, land, environment, and other life forms, (c) supports a valued workforce, (d) promotes resilient and community-based local food economies, and (e) helps to repair current and historic injustices in the food system.
Everyone has a role to play in the transition to a more sustainable food system. As consumers, we have the power to make a difference by making informed choices about the foods we consume, reducing our household food waste, and supporting local and sustainable agriculture.
Apples on Display at a Farmers Market
The Connection Between Food & Climate Change
Today, the global food system is responsible for 25 to 30% of total human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, making food one of the single greatest contributors to climate change. The majority of these emissions result from industrial agricultural practices associated with deforestation and factory farming, and from food that ends up as waste. At the same time, climate change disrupts the food system at every level, threatening food security in communities across the globe. In order to fight climate change and build a more sustainable food future, we must dramatically transform our food systems both globally and locally.
A²ZERO envisions a local food system that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient - minimizing negative environmental and social impacts and serving as a model for the broader community. As we continue our work to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, The City of Ann Arbor prioritizes actions that strengthen and improve Ann Arbor's food system - from reducing food waste generated in our community and supporting residents in adopting more plant rich diets, to larger-scale initiatives that support local farmers and ensure food security for all residents.
How Can Residents Get Involved?
What we eat matters. As a consumer, you have the power to make a difference by considering the impacts of your choices. Opting for local, healthy, and environmentally responsible food helps promote both personal health and the overall wellbeing of our community.
Research shows that the two most impactful actions that individuals can take to fight climate change are to transition to a more plant-rich diet and reduce household food waste - together, these powerful individual actions have the potential to significantly reduce our community's total greenhouse gas emissions!
The City of Ann Arbor offers several programs to help you become a climate-friendly food champion. Click below to learn more!
You can locally produced, sustainable food options at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, or at a local farm store or farm stand! Or use the Ann Arbor Circular Economy Map to find retailers that offer foods with minimal packaging options!
City of Ann Arbor Sustainable Food Programs
Click below to learn about the ways that the City of Ann Arbor is supporting sustainable local food systems.
The Ann Arbor Greenbelt is an innovative land preservation program that has protected thousands of acres of farmland and open space around the city of Ann Arbor. The Greenbelt’s Buy-Protect-Sell initiative supports new, beginning, and underserved farmers in accessing affordable farmland.
Ann Arbor Area Sustainable Food Business Coalition
Staff from the City of Ann Arbor provide facilitation support for the Ann Arbor Area Sustainable Food Business Coalition (SFBC). The SFBC is a network of businesses and organizations across Ann Arbor working together to advance sustainability and equity throughout the food system. The SFBC includes local farms, restaurants, food service institutions, food artisans and producers, retailers, and nonprofits, among others.
The City of Ann Arbor is evaluating internal food purchasing practices in order to shift City purchasing power in support of a more sustainable food system. By prioritizing options that have low greenhouse gas emissions, provide plant-based options, minimize wasteful packaging, and support the local food system, the City hopes to lead by example in purchasing food that supports Ann Arbor's ambitious sustainability and equity goals. Read more about the power of municipal food purchasing here.
A2R3 Returnable Container Program
The City of Ann Arbor is working to design a City-scale returnable take-out container program in order to reduce the amount of single-use materials associated with food and beverage sales within the city's footprint. Read more about the program and the benefits of reuse by visiting the program webpage.
Residential & Commercial Compost Programs
The City of Ann Arbor offers residential and commercial composting services throughout the City to reduce food waste sent to landfills and promote a more circular local food economy.
The Ann Arbor Local Food Festival is an annual celebration of Michigan food & farming. The festival celebrates the bounty of Michigan’s culinary and agricultural landscapes, while offering samples of delicious local foods and connecting attendees to local food resources. The Local Food Festival takes place in September. For more information, visit the event web page.
Cooking Sustainably at Home
Check out the resources below for delicious, planet-friendly recipes!
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A²ZERO Community Cookbook: A climate-friendly community cookbook, created by members of the Ann Arbor community, and designed to be an approachable guide to sustainable eating in the Ann Arbor area.
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VegMichigan Recipe Blog: Easy, unique plant-based recipes from A2ZERO Collaborator, VegMichigan!
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A²ZERO Holiday Recipe Booklet: OSI's favorite plant-based holiday recipes.
Virtual Plant-Based Cooking Demonstration
Tune in to our virtual cooking demonstration by Michele Gallo and chef Vicki Brett-Gach of Ann Arbor Vegan Kitchen! Originally hosted during our Plant-Based Challenge event in 2022, this demonstration features recipes for quinoa soup, ratatouille, and blueberry and peach crumble! You can find the recipes for the night's meals here.
Plant-Based Eating and Nutrition Webinar
Affordable Plant-Based Eating Webinar
Jeff Tritten and Howard Scheps from Washtenaw Optimal Wellness host a webinar on the affordability of eating plant-based. Watch to learn Jeff and Howard's tips and tricks for easy and affordable plant-based meals!
Resources for Growing Your Own Food
Growing your own food is a great way to build community, stay active, and promote physical and mental health while also having a positive benefit on the environment. Get started gardening with the resources listed below.
- Project Grow Community Gardens: Get started growing your own food by joining a community garden near you!
- Pollinator Aware Yard Care: Learn how your yard and garden can support native pollinator populations.
- A2ZERO Garden Planner Worksheet: Plan your home garden using this helpful worksheet.
- Your Garden & Climate Infographic: Learn about how your home garden can help fight climate change.
A vendor organizes fresh produce in their market display at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market
