Michigan Agricultural Surplus Program

The Michigan Agricultural Surplus System Program (MASS) is a general fund grant the State of Michigan (SOM) gives to FBCM to purchase the 2nds or “uglies” directly from Michigan farmers. MASS is the first of its kind. The program started in MI and has now been implemented in over 30 states.

The Return on Investment is significant for the State of Michigan with our average cost being just $0.16 per pound. For example, the cost of apples at the grocery store is around $3.00 a pound while we have maintained a cost of $0.16 per pound. MASS creates secondary markets for our farmers and if there is surplus – we’ve created additional markets for MI farmers with our national partner, Feeding America.

13.6 million pounds of Michigan-grown produce were distributed by FBCM in FY 2022 (8 million pounds from MASS; 1.3 million for the USDA Farm to Food Bank grant and 4.3 million pounds were moved to the national network). MASS rescued 42 million pounds of produce over the last five years. 

To learn more please contact:

Natasha Tarnowsky Agri Business Manager ntarnowsky@fbcmich.org or 517-614-8539

Garrett Zuver Agri Business Specialist gzuver@fbcmich.org or 517-899-9588