6/25/24 - Culver Supports Area Farmers

Kent County Culver stores will hold a fundraiser tonight to help farmers that are facing a number of challenges.

(Press Release) - 

Grand Rapids, MI (June 24, 2024) – In support of farmland preservation, eight Culver’s locations in Kent County will host a Share Night tomorrow, Tuesday, June 25, to raise awareness and funding for the Kent County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. At the event, 10 percent of all sales will benefit the program. Guests can enjoy a great meal, see real farm animals at three participating locations, and contribute to an important cause.

The Share Night event details:

• Date: Tuesday, June 25
• Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Participating Culver’s Locations:

• Lowell: 1245 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
• Byron Center: 500 84th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
• Cascade: 6300 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
• Wyoming: 245 54th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49548
• Walker: 330 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, MI 49534
• Cedar Springs: 13960 White Creek Ave NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
• Comstock Park: 4280 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
• East Beltline: 2510 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

“When I sat across from Denny Heffron (Heffron Farms) and really learned how development and so many other challenges are affecting our farmers, I knew other Culver’s operators would want to help,” said Steve Stephan, owner-operator of three participating Culver’s locations.

Stephan's prediction proved correct, as five more Culver’s operators joined the effort for the June 25 Share Night event.

Farmland loss is a pressing issue in Kent County. The 2022 Agricultural Census revealed that the County lost more than 13,000 acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022. This land, now lost to development, can no longer support farm families producing the beef, pork, fruit, and vegetables essential to our local food system.

The Kent County PDR Program is a voluntary initiative that compensates owners of agricultural property for accepting a permanent deed restriction on their land that limits future development for non-agricultural purposes. Landowners are compensated for the fair market value of their land, based on the difference between its open market value with no restrictions and its value as farmland. Independent, professional appraisers determine these values, and agreements are negotiated individually with each farmer. Once an easement is in place, the landowner may still sell the land as farmland. All private property rights remain intact.

Funds from the Culver’s fundraiser will be sent to the Kent County Agricultural Preservation Fund at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, which will only be used for the direct purchase of development rights. The Kent County PDR team will use the funds to match preservation grants from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development and to cover the closing costs for purchasing the development rights.

“Supporting our local farmers and preserving farmland is crucial for the sustainability of our community," said Kent County Administrator/Controller Al Vanderberg. “We urge everyone to come out, enjoy a meal at Culver’s, and contribute to the success of the PDR program.”