Redefining Local
In the heart of Hastings, Michigan, a bold idea has taken root. After more than five years of community-driven planning, the Barry Community Foundation and its partners are launching Mill Street Market (MSM), a groundbreaking initiative to address some of the most pressing challenges facing rural America: food insecurity, a lack of affordable childcare, and barriers to small-business development.
Our campus operates through two aligned entities:
Mill Street Opportunity Alliance (the Alliance) – our future 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on education, food security, and community impact.
Mill Street Market Farm Stop and Cafe, L3C (MSM L3C) – our mission-driven retail and food enterprise supporting local producers and sustainable business growth.
Together, we are building a model for rural revitalization and community resilience through three main entities, including:
- Farm Stop Market & Farm-to-Table Café
- Incubator Kitchen and Aggregation Space
- Childcare Center offering full-day care
A Vibrant Community Hub Supporting Farmers,
Local Business, and Families
All Under One Roof
Farm Stop Market
& Café
A year round retail and café space that sources from local farms, offering consignment-based sales and a farm-to-table experience. While our focus is on local, seasonal offerings, we also feature thoughtfully selected goods from fair trade cooperatives and small, mission-driven businesses.
Incubator Kitchen
Licensed commercial kitchen providing kitchen space training, and business development support for food entrepreneurs. This infrastructure will also serve as a regional food hub and aggregation center, streamlining sourcing, storage, and distribution for local growers.
Childcare
Licensed center serving up to 60 children, from six weeks old to school age. Educational activities focused on fresh foods, healthy lifestyles, and community.
Mill Street Market Awarded $125,000 Grant from Consumers Energy Foundation
Mill Street Market is excited to announce that we have been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation.
This generous support will allow us to outfit our building with essential equipment and develop strong programs as we prepare to open our doors to the community. This investment moves us significantly closer to creating a vibrant space for local entrepreneurs, families, and partners to gather, learn, and grow together.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Consumers Energy Foundation for believing in our mission and supporting our vision for Mill Street Market. We also want to thank our community—your continued encouragement and engagement make progress like this possible.
We look forward to sharing updates as we take these exciting next steps toward opening. Big things are ahead!
Pictured: Greg Moore-Consumers Energy Foundation, Jennifer Heinzman-President/CEO Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance, Allison Hinton-MSM Executive Director, Allison Wiswell-MSM Board of Directors Co-Chair, Carole Davis-MSM Board of Directors Co-Chair, Duska Brumm-Barry Community Foundation
Mill Street Market Purpose
Mill Street Market Campus integrates education, entrepreneurship, early childhood development, and mission-driven commerce to build a resilient local food ecosystem that expands opportunity and strengthens community well-being.