FUN FACT: Manoomin was designated the official native grain of Michigan in 2023, the first designation of its kind in the United States.
Hey, it’s JB!
An origin story, a teacher of life, a relative, and a source of crucial nutrition, “the good berry” manoomin now has a new protector.
Once covering much of Michigan’s inland lakes and streams, the wild rice (also known as mnomen) is indigenous to the Great Lakes region but has largely disappeared due to colonization, environmental degradation, and climate change.
After several years of work the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative has released a new stewardship guide to protect and restore the wild rice. The report is believed to be the first of its kind in Michigan, created in collaboration with all 12 of the state’s federally recognized tribes, academic experts, and various Michigan state departments including transportation, agriculture, and environment.
This effort aims to ensure that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people “live together in a good way with mnomen,” preserving the aquatic grass for future generations.
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JB
- In the Business of Food has a profile on Love’s Custard Pies, an Eastern Market vendor.
- Threats, money problems and criminal investigations, an alleged cover-up may cripple the nonprofit Gaelic League of Detroit in Corktown according to a new investigation from Freep.
- Zekkereya El-magharbel is hosting two Ramadan concerts, one at Sepia Coffee Project tonight from 8:30 p.m. to midnight, and tomorrow at Warda Patisserie from 8-11 p.m.
- Mamba Hamissi of Baobab Fare is taking over Puma Detroit for one night April 1 to preview the menu at his new Eastern Market restaurant.
- Keep Growing Detroit’s Garden Resource Program is accepting applications. For just $15 a year you get seeds, transplants, educational opportunities, and other resources to establish and maintain a garden in your backyard.
- Packaged food retailers have until Apr. 26 to apply to the Michigan Good Food Fund’s pitch event for the first place prize of $5,000.
- Eater Detroit has a list of Metro Detroit’s best kid friendly restaurants.
The weekly schedule of pop-ups, food events and more. Click on the calendar below created by Bekah Galang.
- Eastern Market is hiring an events manager and produce share assembly team member.
- Standby is hiring a line cook.
- Motz’s Burgers is hiring a cashier/food prep member.
Where can I get seed to grow manoomin