Local products, local jobs

Someone calculated that if every household in the state spent just $10 of its weekly food budget on items grown or processed in Michigan, it would keep $37 million circulating in the state’s economy, and would help keep jobs here, too.  Makes sense to me, and made sense to Russ and Donna Abbott. 

Their Eastport Market stocks lots of Michigan-made goods, and makes a point of buying from Antrim County growers in season.  Now there are signs in the store like this one, explaining what’s going on:

Matching signs on the shelves highlight the goods: wines from half a dozen vineyards, DeKorne’s maple syrup, Stonehouse bread, Zagolli’s dips, Trenary Toast . . . .  and Miss Sadie requests that I mention the cherry HipBones dog treats. 

You might be surprised at the range of items featured. And just wait until summer. Last year produce manager Sandy Boyer stocked tomatoes from Heritage Farm, corn from Bolt’s, assorted vegetables from Providence Farm.  Look for the local foods starbursts.  I don’t see how you can go wrong.