Grow the Market
Mill Street Market: A Hub for Food, Family, and Opportunity in Barry County
After more than five years of community-driven planning, Mill Street Market is nearing the completion of its capital campaign. With the building on its way, we are now launching a GROW THE MARKET Community Support Campaign to fund the programs and services that will make MSM a thriving hub for our community.
Grow the Market Challenge 2026
Thanks to a generous donor, up to $200,000 can be unlocked based on household participation, not the size of gifts.
Participation milestones:
- 50 households → unlock $50,000
- 100 households → unlock $100,000
- 200 households → unlock $200,000
How the Impact Multiplies
⇒ Gift size doesn’t matter
⇒ One household = one count
⇒ Give or pledge by December 31, 2026
Every household counts. Every gift matters. Together, we can grow Mill Street Market into a lasting resource for our community.
Because of You, This Vision Is Becoming Reality
When complete, the campus will include:
Farm Stop Market & Cafe
Providing year-round access to locally produced food while creating new market opportunities for Michigan farmers and food producers.
Commercial Teaching & Incubator Kitchen
Supporting food entrepreneurs, workforce development, culinary education, and value-added food production.
Little Sprouts Childcare
Providing high-quality early childhood education and helping address one of the most significant barriers facing working families.
Community Education & Gathering Space
Creating opportunities for learning, connection, and community impact.
Campaign Results
The Grow the Market Challenge demonstrated something powerful: when a community believes in a vision, small actions create extraordinary results.
Every household counted. Every gift mattered. Together, we reached our goal and unlocked resources that will help launch programs, support families, and strengthen local food systems for years to come.
Where Your Support Goes
Growing More Than a Market
Unlike a capital campaign that builds a building, Grow the Market supports the people, programs, and services that bring Mill Street Market to life.
Annual campaign support helps fund:
- Food Access Programs: Helping make healthy, local food more affordable and accessible for families.
- Childcare & Early Learning Support: Expanding access to quality early childhood education and family resources.
- Culinary Education & Workforce Development: Creating pathways for youth, adults, and entrepreneurs to gain skills and experience.
- Farmer & Food Entrepreneur Support: Providing education, market access, and business development opportunities.
- Community Impact & Operations: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of programs that strengthen Barry County.
Why We Created Grow the Market
When we launched this campaign, we intentionally focused on households—not dollars.
We wanted to create a campaign where everyone could participate.
Whether someone gave $10 or $10,000, every household counted equally toward the goal.
That simple idea sparked something incredible.
Hundreds of community members stepped forward to say:
"I believe in this."
Grow the Market became more than a fundraiser. It became a movement of local ownership and community investment.
This Is Now Our Annual Campaign
The Work Doesn't End When the Doors Open
Mill Street Market is being built to serve our community for generations.
While construction will eventually be complete, the need for food access, entrepreneurial support, workforce development, childcare, and community programming will continue.
That is why Grow the Market is now Mill Street Market's annual community giving campaign.
Each year, households across our region will have the opportunity to invest in programs that strengthen local food systems, support families, and create opportunities for future generations.
Looking Ahead
Grow the Market 2027
Next spring, we will once again invite households throughout our community to help Grow the Market.
Together, we'll celebrate progress, share stories of impact, and continue building a stronger, healthier, and more connected Barry County.
Because lasting community change doesn't happen all at once.
It happens one household at a time.
Leave Your Legacy at Mill Street Market
Your generosity can help shape the future of Hastings while leaving a lasting mark on our community. Through our Dedication Program, donors have the opportunity to be permanently recognized within Mill Street Market's spaces—honoring your family, business, or loved one for years to come.