The E. Warren Development Corp. kitchen aims to fill a gap for local food businesses in Detroit that need a commercial kitchen to operate legally, but don’t have, or want, a brick-and-mortar.
Jena Brooker
Jena Brooker is BridgeDetroit's environmental reporter, covering food and agriculture, pollution and climate change. She has held three fellowships: a ProPublica fellowship, where she led an investigative project on heavy industry in Detroit neighborhoods; a Data Fellowship at the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, where she produced award-winning coverage of Detroit's automotive industry and environmental racism; and a Science-Health-Environment Reporting Fellowship through CASW, AHCJ and SEJ. Her work has also earned the Michigan Press Association public service award three years in a row and recognition as Young Journalist of the Year in 2023. Before joining BridgeDetroit, she covered environmental issues across the Midwest as a Reporting Fellow for Grist.
Jena holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in The Guardian, Mother Jones, Salon, Slate, Grist, Next City, Chalkbeat and Planet Detroit.
Posted inEnvironment
It’s the season for invasive plants in Detroit
What to watch for and how to help
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: New Greek-Lebanese restaurant
Jena writes on the summer opening of a late-night restaurant in Woodbridge that will offer Greek-Lebanese cuisine. Plus, the latest food news and pop-ups.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
Woodbridge Pub owners opening new Greek-Lebanese restaurant
Toum and Tzatziki is expected to open in the first week of June at Merrick and Trumbull and will feature lamb gyros and shawarma, salads, beef kebabs and spreads.
Posted inEnvironment
Air Quality Awareness Week: Plant trees, bike, or attend a film screening
A coalition of local community and environmental justice advocacy groups are hosting a week of events in Metro Detroit for the week established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 18 years ago.
Posted inCivic and Community Information, Political and Public Policy Information
Undocumented immigrants accidentally crossing into Canada face increased risks
Lawyers representing clients say undocumented immigrants accidentally cross into Canada from Detroit every day.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Community compost pilot
Jena has details on a new community composting pilot in Detroit. Plus, the latest food news, pop-ups and events.
Posted inEnvironment
New community composting project to launch in Detroit
A group of Detroit urban agriculture organizations are collaborating to launch a community composting pilot.
Posted inJB's Bites
JB’s Bites: Compostable cup hoax?
Jena writes about why discarding environmentally friendly products in Detroit is challenging. Plus, the latest food news and pop-ups.
Posted inEnvironment
Compostable food packaging in Detroit often ends up in landfills. Here’s why
Composting in Detroit is limited, and some businesses that use compostable products don’t have the means or knowledge to properly dispose of them.