We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Galvanek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor has been working sun up to sun down 6-7 days a week for the first three years to get our farm, children’s program and farmers market off the ground.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We started forest and farm in the middle of the pandemic. It was difficult, but totally worth it. And helping children learn about farming, where their food comes from, and how to respect, mother, nature to helping with the senior fresh, project, fresh, and EBT down at the market. There is nothing that we haven’t conquered with a brave and positive attitude. We are dedicated to continuing our mission for many years to come. We are putting local food in the hands of local people while getting our youngest farmers outside to take part in the growing process. We love what we do and that shows with every post, tik tok and smile that our farm shares with our community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take anyone who visited the Cadillac area to the Cadillac Farmers Market on Tuesday and/or Friday. The market runs from 9-3 and has 40-60 vendors at the peak of the season. It’s a great place to shop for local food , get lunch and find amazing goods made by local small businesses. I would also take them on a farm tour. There are so many local farms to explore in northern Michigan.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t have done this without the help of my husband, Alan Hubbell, my buisness partner, Emily Ruppert and my Mom, Chere Elenbaas. Together we all make a great team.

Website: Cadillacfarmersmarket.org

Facebook: @cadillacfarmersmarket

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.