History

Since 2008, Grow Benzie has been firmly rooted in Benzie County. We’ve transformed the abandoned four-acre Chippewa Acres farm into a modern-day community center.

 

Our Mission

We work to enrich our region by fostering positive action to increase access to healthful foods, jobs, life skills, and each other and by providing a community place that supports and nurtures these activities.

 

“We see ourselves as helping the community be forward-focused and self-reliant. We can be that entity that helps build systems, facilitates planning and growth, identifies social and economic issues, streamlines and creates efficiency and prevents duplication of efforts among entities.”

— Joshua Stoltz, Executive Director

 

What We’ve Achieved

  • In 2009, Grow Benzie was providing garden plots for 20 individuals and established its own successful Farmers Market

  • In July 2013 our state-certified Incubator Kitchen was opened to the public

  • In 2015, our event calendar included classes, workshops and community events, starting with our Winter Dinner & Discussion series in January

  • We added a food truck to our repertoire in 2016, partnering with Goodwill Industries to provide life skills & jobs while serving healthful food to people throughout Northwest Lower Michigan.

  • In 2017, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and Rotary Charities of Traverse City funded major property enhancements in 2017 to include edible walking trails & mini-golf, expanded accessibility & parking, and signage throughout the farmstead.

  • In 2021, we worked with Northern Trust to analyze 70 strategic plans, conduct focus groups with 150 local residents, and are working on 10-year strategic plan for the organization