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The Disconnect

Michigan's food scene is thriving, but most people remain disconnected from their food's origins.

While "locally-sourced" appears on more restaurant menus and farmers' markets expand, there's a significant gap between consumers and the people who grow their food. This disconnect creates real problems:

  • Consumers miss meaningful connections to their local food economy

  • Sustainable producers struggle to communicate their value and practices

  • Brands lack authentic ways to align with values-driven food content

  • Stories that could inspire change go untold

 

Research confirms this disconnect: Only 1 in 4 Americans strongly trust information about where their food comes from, yet 93% say knowing this information is important to them.

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Our Solution

GROWN TO GATHER reveals the human stories behind Michigan's local food movement.

Grown to Gather will be a documentary series that brings viewers face-to-face with the passionate people transforming Michigan's food landscape – from innovative farmers to visionary chefs and the communities they feed.

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Hosted by award-winning Chef Alex Gandia (Certified Executive Chef, American Culinary Federation), we're creating authentic, engaging content that bridges the gap between field and fork while providing brands a meaningful way to connect with conscious consumers.

The Format

We've designed a content strategy that engages viewers while creating opportunities for natural brand integration

Our Approach:

  • Each season will have 5-7 segments
     

  • Each segment will be 5-7 minutes – Perfect for social media but segments designed to work together to tell a larger story
     

  • Restaurant → Farm → Community structure – Following food from field to table
     

  • Authentic storytelling – No scripts, just real people sharing their genuine passion
     

  • Natural brand integration – Organic placement that respects both viewers and sponsors

 

Tentative Plan for Season 1: Saugatuck, Michigan
 

Possible Subjects: Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions, Virtue Cider, Waypost Brewing Co., and more.

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Audience & Reach

LOCAL FOOD CONTENT CONNECTS WITH TODAY'S LARGEST CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS

  • Millennials and Gen Z prioritize authentic, purpose-driven content and brands

  • 70% of Gen Z support climate-friendly farming practices

  • 55% of Gen Z are willing to pay more for sustainable products

  • Food content is the #1 most popular category for social media influencers worldwide

 

CONTENT DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY

  • YouTube & Social Media – Primary distribution with sponsor recognition

  • Website & Email – Deeper engagement with featured locations and sponsors

  • Community Events – Live screenings and food gatherings

  • Educational Partnerships – Extending content reach through schools and organizations

WHY SPONSOR NOW?

Early sponsors gain exclusive benefits and help shape our storytelling from the ground up.

Limited-Time Early Adopter Benefits:

  • 50% discount for our first sponsors (limited slots available)

  • Category exclusivity – be the only brand in your space for Season 1

  • Content influence – help shape episodes that align with your brand values

  • Long-term value – lock in your discounted rate for up to three seasons

 

The Cost of Waiting:

  • Increased competition for meaningful partnerships as the series grows

  • Higher sponsorship rates once our pilot season demonstrates success

  • Missed category exclusivity in your business vertical

  • Less integration flexibility after the format is established

Market Opportunity

MICHIGAN'S LOCAL FOOD SCENE OFFERS COMPELLING STORYTELLING BACKED BY IMPRESSIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT

  • $125.8 billion – Annual contribution of food/agriculture to Michigan's economy

  • $555 million – Direct food sales from Michigan farms (2020), ranking 4th nationally

  • 805,000 jobs supported by Michigan's food and agriculture sector

  • Michigan ranks #2 nationally in agricultural diversity with over 300 different commodities

  • 99% of Michigan farms are family-owned, creating authentic, relatable stories

 

PROVEN SUCCESS OF FOOD CONTENT

  • "A Chef's Life" (PBS) – 4 million viewers per episode

  • "Chef's Table" (Netflix) – 7+ seasons, 8 Emmy nominations

  • "The Biggest Little Farm" – $4.4 million at US box office for a documentary about sustainable farming

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YOUR BRAND IMPACT

Sponsoring Grown to Gather isn't just about visibility—it's about meaningful connection.

For Your Brand:

  • Reach engaged viewers who care deeply about sustainability and community

  • Associate with authentic stories that resonate with values-driven consumers

  • Demonstrate your commitment to local economies and sustainable practices

  • Build relationships with consumers who prioritize conscious choices

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For The Community:

  • Help bring untold stories of Michigan's food producers to a wider audience

  • Support the economic growth of featured local businesses

  • Strengthen connections between consumers and local food systems

  • Inspire positive change in how people think about and purchase food

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Next Steps

Becoming part of Grown to Gather is simple and collaborative

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  1. Contact us to discuss which sponsorship tier fits your brand goals

  2. Schedule a conversation about content integration opportunities

  3. Secure your spot with a simple agreement and deposit

  4. Join the journey as we bring these important stories to life

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Early supporter discounts are limited to the first 5 Local Champion partners and first 3 Presenting Partners – secure your place at the table today.​

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