The new co-packing plant will help lots of local food entrepreneurs.
with a few other food producers
who were having the same issue,
and said, ‘Let’s find a way to get you
guys into a facility. Maybe we could
start our own co-packing facility,’”
Michal said.
Meanwhile, Garden Fresh
Gourmet founder Jack Aronson, 64,
of Bloomfield Hills had a facility in
Inkster that had previously been
used for manufacturing. He offered
to donate it to Eastern Market for
the food entrepreneurs of Michigan.
“I think Eastern Market is the fin-
est farmers’ market in the United
States,” he said. “What they’re trying
to do with the local food communi-
ties … I don’t think there’s anything
more important being done by any-
body than what they’re doing.”
Aronson only asked that the build-
ing be used for food industry entre-
preneurs, and if they ever sell the
building in Inkster, to purchase one
closer to Eastern Market. Another
must: They must use all the money
they make on the sale of the prop-
erty to opening another facility for
food entrepreneurs.
“I couldn’t be happier with what
they’ve done,” he said. Aronson is
also a big supporter of JVS, and
through the foundation he created,
the Artichoke Garlic Foundation, he
provides support for kids, literacy
programs and other projects to help
the community.
For local food entrepreneurs,
FEAST provides services in co-
packing, recipe development, pro-
duction of shelf-stable products and
more. Two commercial kitchens are
available, and they will employ six
people.
According to Michal, “FEAST is
really focused on solving the prob-
lem that the three of our companies
and many other companies have,
which is, how do you scale your
business appropriately?”
Marcia said, “It’s an opportunity
all around.”
Michal added, “As Southeast
Michigan has recovered from its eco-
nomic woes, the manufactured food
sector has become one of the fastest
growing sectors in the region.”
Aronson agreed. “We’re becoming
a mecca. I thought we always had
terrific food in Detroit. I don’t know
if the rest of the nation knew it, but I
think they’re finding out now.
“The people here in Detroit, all
these great new startups,” he con-
tinued, “we’re going to be able to
help them get their products all over
the country. We’re fourth or fifth
in America in growing agriculture,
and we’re 25th in processing it. Even
though we’re growing the most food,
we’re really behind in processing,
and that’s the gap we’re going to
close.” •
Live Longer.
Live Healthy.
Making the choice to take the
pounds off and getting healthy
is not something you have to
do alone. You have options –
and there is help. Let the Detroit
Medical Center’s Weight Loss
Solutions program help you on
your journey to a healthy life!
Manda L
ost
172
pou
nds *
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN COMMERCE TWP.,
DETROIT, SOUTHFIELD & MADISON HEIGHTS
Dr. David
Edelman
Dr. Steven
Hendrick
Dr. John
Webber
Dr. Michael
Wood
Register for a FREE seminar
on weight loss surgery.
Call 855-564-7664
or visit YourNewSelf.org.
* This testimonial reflects results achieved by this patient as each case must be
independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss may vary.
Jack Aronson cuts the ribbon at the grand opening.
Weight loss surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or
greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious health problems related to
obesity. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding may be an option for people with a BMI
of 30 or more who have at least one serious obesity-related health problem. Weight loss
surgery is considered safe, but like any surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your
physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.
jn
December 28 • 2017
35