Packaged foods are on the rise and show no signs of slowing down. With shelf life, labeling, packaging and more to think about, getting your product from idea to retail can be daunting!

If you have a product you want to see on store shelves, then join us on Wednesday, February 28 at 5pm in the Downtown Market Banquet Room as Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development representatives guide you through everything you need to know about getting that packaged food on the market!

Guest Presenters:
Emily Fricko, MDARD
Emily Fricko is the retail food inspector for the Downtown Grand Rapids area, Walker, and mid Newaygo County. She has been with that state for just over a year and is currently the inspector for the Downtown Market. Outside of work Inspector Fricko enjoys staying active in agriculture and spoiling her cat Jellybean.

Violet Currier, MDARD
Violet Currier is the food inspector for Muskegon, Oceana, and the western part of Newaygo County. She has been with MDARD for a little over 8 years and has inspected all over Northern and West Michigan. In her spare time, Inspector Currier runs a family farm with sheep, pigs, cattle, poultry, and a pet goat

By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.

***

The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.