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Natural Awakenings Healthy Living Magazine

Washtenaw Farmers Look to Online Sales

As COVID-19 threatens the economy, Washtenaw County farmers are looking for new avenues to sell their produce outside of traditional farmers' markets. Community groups and local businesses are preparing for the spring and summer produce season by turning to online ordering for pickup and delivery of locally produced items.

Zilke Farm Kitchen, in Milan, is delivering meal kits twice a week. It helps farmers on the south side of the county and into Monroe and Lenawee counties. The Farm at St. Joe’s, in Ypsilanti, with Growing Hope, is working with farmers on the east side and Argricole Farm Stop, in Chelsea, is working with farmers on the west side and into Jackson County and Stockbridge.

Argus Farm Stop, in Ann Arbor, transitioned its Packard Street location into a fulfillment center while keeping its grocery retail store on Liberty Street store open to retail, pickup and online delivery.

Jae Gerhart, the county’s foods coordinator for MSU Extension, says, "People don’t want to leave their home. They want to order their food online and either get it delivered or go to a location where they can pick it up quickly and go back to their homes.”