Every family knows that deciding what to eat for dinner is one of the hardest decisions of the day. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone streamlined that choice for you?

A few years back, my wife and I trialed some of those online meal kit services, but between worrying about boxes sitting outside all day and not knowing where the food actually came from, we didn’t stick with them.

Lucky for us, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie has taken a look at Michigan-based meal services that make dinnertime easy. From fresh, locally sourced meal kits to fully prepared options, it’s basically like having your own personal chef. Best of all, you’re supporting Michiganders in the process.

Michigan getting poorer due to lack of knowledge jobs, says researcher (Michigan Advance): A University of Michigan economist says the state missed the shift to a high-wage knowledge economy while clinging to auto jobs. Now, cost-of-living-adjusted wages in Michigan trail the national average and lag far behind benchmark states, as higher-paying tech and finance sectors grew elsewhere. Economist Don Grimes argues Michigan must rethink its strategy and focus on attracting high-income workers and $100K+ jobs rather than trying to rebuild its past manufacturing dominance.

Gov. Whitmer announces death of father (The Detroit News): Richard “Dick” Whitmer, former Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan CEO and father of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, has died at 85, the governor’s office said. A longtime state official and business leader, he helped steer Blue Cross through a financial crisis. Gov. Whitmer called him her “best friend” and biggest supporter.

Lions hire new offensive coordinator (AP News): The Detroit Lions have hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, their third in three years, replacing John Morton after Dan Campbell took over play-calling. Petzing spent the past three seasons as Arizona’s OC, drawing mixed reviews but overseeing a strong run game, with the Cardinals ranking near the top in rushing efficiency. Detroit went 9–8 and finished last in the NFC North after winning the division the previous two seasons.

Whether you’re in need of quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner options, these Michigan meal kit delivery services are made to order. (Unsplash)

By Chaunie Brusie

In our family’s ongoing debate of what we would spend our money on if we happened to win big in a Michigan lottery, I am very clear on where my money would go: a personal chef. I would love nothing more than to have every meal made for me without having to lift a finger or think about a meal plan.

In lieu of lottery millions and a personal chef, however, a Michigander can still turn to one of these local (and healthy!) Michigan meal kit delivery services. With a few national options and some farm-fresh, local Michigan-made meals, there’s something for everyone.

1. CookUnity Midwest Meal Delivery Service

Claiming to be the first of its kind, CookUnity Midwest Meal Delivery Service says it’s the first chef-to-delivery meal delivery. The meals are prepared weekly by real chefs and arrive fresh, and not frozen, so they’re ready to simply be heated and served. Some of the delicious options include Thai Panang Curry with Beef & Jasmine Rice, Mediterranean Chicken & Grain Bowl with Lemon Vinaigrette, or a Rainbow Quinoa Poke Bowl with Seasonal Vegetables & Citrus Dressing.

You can choose from a four-meal weekly meal plan up to a 16-meal plan. (The more meals you order, the cheaper the cost is per serving.) All orders also have a $9.99 or $11.99 delivery fee, which varies based on your location. The service does deliver throughout the Midwest, but you’ll need to confirm your ZIP code to ensure they deliver to your area. For reference, I live in a pretty rural area in Southeast Michigan, and delivery is available to us.

2. Clean Plates Detroit 

With a claim to fame as Metro Detroit’s primary meal delivery service, Clean Plates Detroit is comprised of local chefs and nutritionists on a mission to serve the people of Detroit delicious, nutritious food. They’re highly focused on the best quality possible, even right down to the containers, which are biodegradable and plastic-free. All food and ingredients are local and fresh, with steroid and hormone-free grass-fed beef and free-range chicken. Meat and poultry are Halal, and nothing is frozen.

Clean Plates Detroit services most Detroit ZIP codes (including Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties) for delivery, and they offer pick-up as well. Customers can choose a meal pack option, purchasing a pack of meals all at once, or a meal plan with ongoing, regular delivery. A meal plan requires a minimum of six meals per week, but the plan option saves $1 per meal and is split into two deliveries, allowing customers to choose from each week’s menu for more variety.

3. Harvest Kitchen

Harvest Kitchen is a meal delivery service that serves the Ann Arbor area in Michigan. The business has a partnership with Tantre Farm in Chelsea, which allows it to provide farm-to-table meal options. You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and choose customized meals, such as vegan, vegetarian, or paleo.

If you want to try the meals before subscribing or just want a delicious, farm-fresh meal, you can also pick up a pre-made Harvest Kitchen meal at participating Ann Arbor locations, including Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market, Agricole Farm Stop, Vestergaard Farms, and Argus Farm Stop.  You can also order a week’s worth of meals to try it out or order without a membership. You can also text Harvest Kitchen at 734-805-9634 with any questions.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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