Growing Hope

Growing Hope Growing Hope fosters an equitable and sustainable local food system where all people are empowered to grow, sell, buy, prepare, and eat nourishing food.

Freedom has always been tied to land. To seeds. To the right to grow, cook, and eat food that reflects who you are and w...
06/19/2026

Freedom has always been tied to land. To seeds. To the right to grow, cook, and eat food that reflects who you are and where you come from.

Black farmers built this country's food system, and were systematically stripped of the land they cultivated. Juneteenth is a day to remember that history, honor those who resisted, and recommit to building a food system where Black communities hold power.

Growing Hope is proud to sponsor and partner with the Ypsilanti Juneteenth Festival, happening all weekend, downtown Ypsilanti. Come celebrate, connect, and carry the legacy forward.

Join us in celebrating Josiah Foster , Growing Hope's Development Manager, and the incredible cohort of nonprofit leader...
06/18/2026

Join us in celebrating Josiah Foster , Growing Hope's Development Manager, and the incredible cohort of nonprofit leaders who recently earned their Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM) credential through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, made possible by the Herrick Foundation.

Food sovereignty isn't just about growing food. It's about growing the relationships, skills, and community power needed to sustain the work for generations.

We're grateful for Josiah's commitment to learning, leadership, and occasionally testing out his newest fundraising ideas on the rest of us. πŸ˜‰

Help us congratulate Josiah in the comments!

It takes a community to create community.We're looking for volunteers to help bring YPSI Food Fest 2026 to life on Satur...
06/18/2026

It takes a community to create community.

We're looking for volunteers to help bring YPSI Food Fest 2026 to life on Saturday, August 15th! Whether you're helping with kids activities, greeting guests, supporting vendors, or lending a hand with setup and cleanup, you'll play an important role in creating a welcoming and joyful experience for our community.

As a thank you, volunteers who sign up for 2+ shifts will receive a free meal ticket to enjoy food from one of our amazing vendors.

Ready to join us?

Sign up here:
https://growinghope.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1229267

We can't wait to build something special together.

Bike Day is coming to the Ypsilanti Farmers Market, and we're rolling in with the Ypsi Bike Coop and King-Dome Builders ...
06/17/2026

Bike Day is coming to the Ypsilanti Farmers Market, and we're rolling in with the Ypsi Bike Coop and King-Dome Builders for a morning of community rides, free bike repair, gear giveaways, and a kids' safety obstacle course.

πŸ“… June 27 | 9 AM–1 PM πŸ“ 16 S. Washington St.

Ride your bike to market. Stay for the community.

Community Potluck is coming to the Growing Hope Urban Farm, and this one has something extra.πŸ“… June 26 | 5–7 PM πŸ“ Growin...
06/16/2026

Community Potluck is coming to the Growing Hope Urban Farm, and this one has something extra.

πŸ“… June 26 | 5–7 PM πŸ“ Growing Hope Urban Farm 🧘 Yoga on the farm + potluck dinner

Bring a dish and come as you are.

Ypsi 9th Hour will be at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace on June 25; an after-work gathering for entrepreneurs, creati...
06/15/2026

Ypsi 9th Hour will be at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace on June 25; an after-work gathering for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders.
Good people. Good energy. Downtown Ypsi.

Registration at linktr.ee/growing.hope Space is limited.

06/15/2026

To kick off the summer, First Friday Food Court returned to Ypsilanti Friday, June 5, 2026, in partnership with Growing Hope, First Fridays Ypsi and PoetTreeTown.

First Friday Food Court supports local food businesses and creates a welcoming environment for community members of different backgrounds to gather over food, music and art, all while enhancing food businesses local to them.

While the food court took place outside, inside MarketPlace Hall, led by PoetTreeTown, tables curated towards different activities, guiding guests to create collages, affirmation postcards, q***r love poems and more, leading with the theme β€œSharing Our Glimmers.”

Editor's note: Laleh Walker is a reporter for and independently sells cold-pressed juices during First Friday Food Court.

Click the link for more information:
https://www.easternecho.com/article/2026/06/first-friday-food-court-kicks-off-summer-season

Writer: Laleh Walker
Photo: Laleh Walker / The Eastern Echo

Volunteers WantedLooking for a fun way to give back and connect with your community this summer?We're looking for a few ...
06/12/2026

Volunteers Wanted

Looking for a fun way to give back and connect with your community this summer?

We're looking for a few helping hands to support First Friday Food Court! Volunteers help create the welcoming, community-centered atmosphere that makes First Friday Food Court such a special place to gather each month.

Whether you're helping with activities, greeting guests, assisting vendors, or supporting setup and cleanup, you'll play an important role in creating a space where local food entrepreneurs can thrive and neighbors can connect.

Light refreshments will be provided.
Food will be available for purchase from local food businesses.

Join us in supporting local entrepreneurs, celebrating community, and creating a welcoming space for all.

Sign up to volunteer:
https://growinghope.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1244431

Growing Hope's 2026 Summer Workshop Series is here! Hands-on, community-rooted, FREE, and open to all.Whether you’re a s...
06/11/2026

Growing Hope's 2026 Summer Workshop Series is here! Hands-on, community-rooted, FREE, and open to all.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or growing your own food for the first time, come learn with us 🌱 All workshops are free, family-friendly, and require no prior experience!

Save the dates for future workshops now, and keep an eye out for registration at linktr.ee/growing.hope!

Thank You, Ypsi!A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for First Friday Food Court last week.Whether you stoppe...
06/10/2026

Thank You, Ypsi!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for First Friday Food Court last week.

Whether you stopped by for a meal, participated in our Q***r Joy + Writing activities, played board games, added to the chalk art, or simply spent time with friends and neighbors, thank you for helping create such a welcoming and vibrant community space. The atmosphere was full of laughter, conversation, creativity, and community spirit, and we're grateful to everyone who helped make the evening so special.

Every meal purchased, every conversation shared, and every activity participated in helps strengthen our local food community and supports small businesses as they continue to grow.

We're especially grateful to our vendors, volunteers, PoetTreeTown, Stephanie Heit, Tree Hammons, Cam Finch, and everyone who contributed their time, talents, and energy to the evening.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for our next First Friday Food Court on July 3rd from 5:00pm-7:30m! We will be screening Disney's new movie "Hoppers," enjoying free Insomnia cookies, and playing family-friendly yard and board games, all while supporting our local food system!

We can't wait to be in community with you next time!

Address

922 W Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, MI
48197

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(734) 786-8401

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Growing Hope posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Growing Hope:

Share