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#### Building economic growth through food and community
### Mission and Vision
Lakeshore Flavor is a non-profit organization based in Muskegon Michigan dedicated to building equity in Muskegon County's food systems.
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Mission: To build equity in Muskegon County food systems through education, investment, and building community.
Vision: To create a vibrant and inclusive food system through equitable economic growth and innovation in Muskegon County.
Values:   Our values are rooted in cultivating a robust cultural food economy that is representative of, and works in service of, the communities that exist within Muskegon County.
### Creating Inclusive  Economic Development
At Lakeshore Flavor, we are dedicated to promoting equitable economic development within our local food system. We meet the mandate of our mission through investment in existing culinary talent by equipping residents with the skills needed to access economic growth in Muskegon County.
We strive to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food. By investing in equitable community solutions, we work towards creating a food system that benefits all members of our community.  ​
Our ultimate goal is to create equitable opportunities to provide living-wage work and facilitate asset generation, enabling local businesses to thrive and contribute to the overall economic well-being of our community.​
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## Our Problem
More than 50% of families in Muskegon County live in areas with low access to healthy food; Muskegon County has fewer grocery stores per capita than the entire state of Michigan. ​
47.4% of marginalized business owners owners have zero or inadequate access to start-up funding such as loans, venture capital, or equity. ​
Economic inequities affect a significant portion of Muskegon County's 176,564 residents. With more than 37% of households living below 200% of the federal poverty line, our community faces unique challenges that call for innovative solutions.
28.3% of marginalized business owners face challenges related to the cost of acquiring and maintaining business property​
Minority business owners represent 12% of solopreneur firms (i.e., no paid employees), while Latinx business owners represent 14% nationally.
Sources: ​​
2017 Muskegon County Economic Development Strategy
The McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Demographics for Muskegon, MMG 2024 (2022 Data)
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2022
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## Our Goal
Lakeshore Flavor aims to address these barriers by creating opportunities to food equity, workforce development, and food access advocacy throughout Muskegon County by investing in our local food system.
Provide educational services and programs to reduce disparities within the entrepreneurial food culture of Muskegon County for underserved and marginalized business owners.
Grow local, solo food entrepreneurs into multi-employee businesses to generate economic growth within Muskegon County
Increase the availability of locally produced food and retail food products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh and prepared meats, fish, poultry, and canned/frozen foods in Muskegon County
## Our Solution
​Lakeshore Flavor is committed to advancing food equity by creating opportunities for underserved and marginalized individuals to participate meaningfully in Muskegon County’s food system. We empower individuals to engage as suppliers, producers, distributors, workers, and eaters, building a local food economy that is inclusive and thriving. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we aim to create community-serving institutions that are both economically and physically sustainable.
Our programs provide training and business development services to help local entrepreneurs establish or grow their food-based businesses. These services are designed to meet the needs of those often excluded from traditional economic systems, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to succeed. By supporting food entrepreneurs, Lakeshore Flavor not only drives economic empowerment but also creates pathways for job creation and community growth.
Lakeshore Flavor works to reduce barriers for underserved individuals and foster a thriving food ecosystem that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our community. Together, we are building a sustainable future where food equity is at the forefront, and every individual has the opportunity to prosper.
## Our Programs
A few things we're excited about . . .
The
Broadway Kitchen
The Broadway Kitchen in Muskegon Heights is designed to provide a hub for education, food equity, and community development.
Food Business
Incubation
Our training programs are designed to target needs identified by local small businesses to help them succeed + sustain in Muskegon County.
Muskegon Co.
Food Policy Network
We champion food system advocacy in Muskegon County by working to identify + address food access challenges on a large scale.
FlavorFIT
Nutrition Education
Our hands-on cooking classes bridge together flavor, culture, and nutrition education in Muskegon County.
## A Good Thing Just Got Better...
Exciting updates coming soon!
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## Phone
1.616.389.0325
## Email
Info@LakeshoreFlavor.org
## Muskegon
200 Viridian Drive
Muskegon, MI 49440
## Grand Rapids
PO Box 6974
Grand Rapids, MI 49516
## Socials
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