• Authentic Eastern Market campaign aims to support a thriving public market and food economy in Detroit.
  • Gilbert Family Foundation investment will provide critical capacity-building resources to Detroit farmers, fueling business growth and creating new jobs.

DETROIT- Feb. 18, 2025 – Gilbert Family Foundation and Eastern Market Partnership today announced a three-year, $1.5 million investment to support the “Authentic Eastern Market” campaign. Launched in September, the campaign is structured around four critical pillars: strengthening the regional food economy, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability, preserving affordable business spaces to foster racial equity and enhancing the market’s infrastructure for vendors and visitors.

“Eastern Market is one of the most vibrant gathering spaces in Detroit and serves as a vital anchor for economic mobility in the region,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation. “This investment will build on that, ensuring that more Detroit farmers can participate in the economic benefits of the market and allowing Eastern Market to tackle key infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.”

A key component of Gilbert Family Foundation’s investment is support for the Shed 7 Regional Wholesale Distribution Center, a special project to generate greater participation by entrepreneurs of color in the Eastern Market District. The project includes dedicated dock and refrigeration space for Detroit-based Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers at affordable rental rates. In total,14 small business entrepreneur farmers will receive support to expand their operations. The initiative is expected to create 28 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs for these Detroit-based growers, with projections to grow to at least 20 farmers and 40 FTE jobs over the next few years.

Historically, BIPOC urban farmers across the United States have had limited access to resources such as land ownership, financing and mentorship. Despite these challenges, they have often been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture movements and community-oriented initiatives, transforming food deserts into thriving local food hubs. Gilbert Family Foundation’s commitment underscores the importance of bridging these gaps.

“We are thrilled to partner with Gilbert Family Foundation on this transformative initiative,” said Katy Trudeau, CEO and President, Eastern Market. “This investment will be instrumental in addressing systemic inequities faced by BIPOC farmers, allowing them to scale their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to a more vibrant and equitable food system in Detroit. The improvements to Shed 7 will be particularly impactful, providing dedicated space and resources to ensure the success of these entrepreneurs.”

In addition to supporting urban farmers, the funding will help strengthen and enhance the market’s infrastructure. This includes:

  • Stormwater Management: Designing systems to manage stormwater effectively and facilitating community engagement around these green infrastructure projects.
  • Brand Building: Supporting authentic storytelling and marketing efforts about Eastern Market’s impact on Detroit to drive more engagement.

These efforts will not only address critical environmental considerations but also support the long-term efforts of Eastern Market Partnership to modernize Eastern Market’s facilities and provide a more resilient and efficient public space.

The Authentic Eastern Market campaign has also received support from many prominent donors in addition to Gilbert Family Foundation, including the William Davidson Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

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About Gilbert Family Foundation
Gilbert Family Foundation is a private nonprofit foundation founded by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert to accelerate a cure for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and build economic opportunity in the city of Detroit. The Gilbert Family Foundation supports groundbreaking, cutting-edge research in hopes of eradicating NF1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. Additionally, the Foundation supports the economic stability and mobility of residents in Detroit by investing in wealth-building opportunities and breaking down systemic barriers.

For more information on the Gilbert Family Foundation, please visit gilbertfamilyfoundation.org.

 

About Eastern Market
Eastern Market has been a driving force in Detroit’s food economy for more than 130 years. The market supports hundreds of farmers and small food businesses, helping to create a resilient local food system that serves Detroit and the surrounding region. As one of the nation’s largest public markets, Eastern Market attracts over 2 million visitors each year and is a hub of fresh food, community connection and entrepreneurship. With its commitment to racial equity, affordability and economic opportunity, Eastern Market continues to shape the future of Detroit’s economy. Visit Easternmarket.org to discover more about our vendors, events, and how you can support local businesses.

For more information about Eastern Market, visit our YouTube channel, or follow us on Instagram, X, or Facebook.