Snyder launches 'Michigan For Michigan' Campaign

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BRIGHTON — Gov. Rick Snyder joined McDonald’s owner / operators on Thursday to launch From Michigan For Michigan, a statewide initiative to raise awareness of locally sourced food, and the positive impact on the state’s economy and job creation.

Snyder kicked off From Michigan For Michigan with a visit to Dietrich Orchards, a farm in Conklin, that supplies apples to McDonald’s restaurants. During his visit, he recognized the local suppliers and McDonald’s for its contributions to the state’s $91.4 billion food and agriculture system.

“We’re extremely proud of Michigan’s agriculture industry,” Snyder said. “Our partnership with McDonald’s is a great way to remind people of the tremendous positive impact that this diverse, cutting-edge industry has on our entire state. We appreciate the company’s enhanced investments across Michigan and also are pleased that it shares our pride in quality Michigan-grown products. We look forward to working together to highlight the success story that is Michigan agriculture.”

Michigan is the second largest supplier of apples to McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S., behind the state of Washington. The food service provider released spending figures related to its investment in local suppliers, including about $62 million this year to remodel or build restaurants. Last year, McDonald’s spent $237 million in Michigan on raw food ingredients. 

Michigan’s food and agriculture system is a major source of employment for the state’s workforce. One in five employed Michiganders, in fact, work directly or indirectly for the state’s food and agriculture industry, according to a report issued last month by Michigan State University.

McDonald’s employs 33,000 people at more than 500 locations. McDonald’s also supports small, family businesses within its own system. In Michigan, there are 107 McDonald’s franchisees and some are second-, third- and fourth-generation owner/operators.

“McDonald’s Out-State Operators in Michigan and Southeast Michigan McDonald’s Operators Association are passionate about supporting the suppliers in the communities where we do business,” said McDonald’s owner/operator Jim Thrower, “We believe it improves the quality of life for us all by keeping dollars and jobs in our state.”