As much of Ann Arbor has become unrecognizable to long-time residents, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market is a mainstay, both as a provider of local produce and products and a gathering space. Learn about the history of the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market, how the global pandemic has impacted operations, and how we plan on bringing this vibrant market and community space into the future.

Presenter Stefanie T. Stauffer, PhD has been the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market Manager since May 2020, bringing 12 years of local food expertise to the role. She is the former Program Manager of Tilian Farm Development Center, a now defunct incubator for beginning farmers in Ann Arbor Township. She has also taught the Sociology of Race and Ethnic Relations at Washtenaw Community College since 2015, with an emphasis on food sovereignty and environmental justice movements. As a veteran Ypsilanti Farmer’s Markets vendor who sells her products at Argus Farm Stop and to local restaurants as well, she has been feeding our community since 2010 as Nightshade Farm. She is also a board member of Growing Hope, a former Greenbelt Advisory Commissioner, and a former board member of the Ypsilanti Food Cooperative. As a farmer, farmer’s market vendor, educator, activist, and beginning farmer mentor, she has been deeply rooted in our local food system since her dissertation project on sustainable agriculture brought her back to Michigan in 2008.

In 2014, she traveled to Slow Food International’s Salone del Gusto e Terra Madre in Torino, Italy as a US delegate representing Southeast Michigan family farmers, food artisans, and Slow Food Ark of Taste producers.

Preregistration is required via the OLLI website or phone. A link to access the presentation will be e-mailed to you approximately one week prior to the event.