Building economic growth
through food and community

Mission
and Vision

Lakeshore Flavor is a non-profit organization based in Muskegon dedicated to reducing disparities for Black, Brown, Women-Owned, and Low-Income growers, farmers, and food businesses in Muskegon County's food systems.

Mission: To create a vibrant and inclusive food system by eliminating disparities through education, investment, and synergy among food entrepreneurs.

Vision: We envision being a catalyst for equitable growth and innovation within Muskegon County's food systems, celebrating local flavors and traditions while ensuring opportunities for all.

Values: Our values are rooted in cultivating a robust cultural food economy that is representative of, and works in service of, the communities that exist within Muskegon County.

Creating Inclusive
Economic Development

At Lakeshore Flavor, we are dedicated to promoting equitable economic development within the food industry. We meet the mandate of our mission through investment in existing culinary talents and community members. Our programs and workshops enrich food entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills needed to access economic growth.

Our primary focus is on fostering an inclusive food system in Muskegon County. We strive to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food. By investing in equitable community solutions, we work towards creating a food system that benefits all members of our community.

Our ultimate goal is to create equitable opportunities for Black, Brown, Women-Owned, and Low-Income food businesses. We aim to provide living-wage work and facilitate asset generation, enabling these businesses to thrive and contribute to the overall economic well-being of our community.

Our Problem

47.4% of Black business owners and 29% of Latino business owners have zero or inadequate access to start-up funding such as loans, venture capital, or equity

28.3% of Black business owners and 25.7% of Latino business owners face challenges related to the cost of acquiring and maintaining business property

Black business owners represent 12% of solopreneur firms (i.e., no paid employees), while Latino business owners represent 14%

More than 50% of families in Muskegon County live in areas with low access to healthy food; Muskegon County has fewer grocery stores per capita than the entire state of Michigan.

Our Goal

Provide educational services and programs to reduce disparities within the entrepreneurial food culture of Muskegon County for Black, Brown, Women-Owned, and Low-Income business owners.

Grow solo food entrepreneurs into multi-employee businesses to generate economic growth within Muskegon County

Increase the availability of locally produced food and retail food products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh and prepared meats, fish, poultry, and canned/frozen foods in Muskegon County

Our Solution

Lakeshore Flavor provides business development services and training programs, and equitable solutions to reduce disparities within the entrepreneurial food culture of Muskegon County.

Lakeshore Flavor provides opportunities to create community-serving institutions that are economically and physically thriving to support Black, Brown, Women-Owned, and Low-Income individuals to engage in food markets as suppliers, producers, distributors, workers, and eaters.

Lakeshore Flavor creates economic opportunity, enabling locals to establish or grow their food-based businesses and create jobs for others in our community.