Fresh Solutions Network Highlights Michael Family Farms as Summer Farmer Feature
June 9, 2026 | 3 min to read
Fourth-generation Ohio potato grower brings local quality, sustainable farming, and seasonal merchandising inspiration to produce departments
NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Fresh Solutions Network® is shining a spotlight on Ohio-based Michael Family Farms as its summer farmer feature, recognizing the fourth-generation family business for its long-standing commitment to quality potatoes, sustainable farming, and community support.
Serving the Great Lakes region year-round with a full suite of potato types, varieties and convenience items, Michael Family Farms offers retailers a strong combination of locally grown quality, reliable supply, and seasonal shopper appeal during peak selling season. The farm’s focus on regenerative agriculture—including cover cropping, crop rotation, water stewardship, and soil restoration—supports a long-term commitment to growing premium potatoes for today’s produce departments and future generations.
“For four generations, Michael Family Farms dedicated themselves to the land, their community, and to growing high-quality potatoes,” said Kathleen Triou, President & CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “Their leadership in sustainable farming and community outreach reflects the values that matter to retailers and shoppers alike—quality, trust, and a strong connection to local agriculture.”
Led by siblings Kyle Michael and Kathy Michael Sponheim, Michael Family Farms is a founding partner of Fresh Solutions Network and continues to serve regional and national retail customers while supporting local food banks, schools, FFA, and 4-H programs. Continuing the values instilled by their father, Todd Michael, they are focused on growing alongside retailers and operators while remaining deeply committed to serving the community they call home.
“We’re proud to help deliver fresh potatoes to customers across the country while continuing to serve our neighbors close to home,” said Sponheim. “Being part of the Network allows us to grow with our retail partners, bring innovation to the category, and keep family farming strong for the next generation.”
This year, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Fresh Solutions Network encourages retailers to mark the occasion in stores with potatoes, America’s favorite vegetable. Leveraging potato displays featuring family-inspired recipe ideas, entertaining solutions, and eye-catching patriotic packaging designed to help drive impulse purchases and larger baskets.
About Michael Family Farms, LLC
Michael Family Farmsis a family-owned grower located in Urbana, Ohio. Michael Family Farms combines family tradition with the newest farming technologies to supply the region’s top retail stores and restaurants with the finest potatoes. The farm’s location means it can deliver its fresh potatoes with minimal food miles and a lower total transportation cost to customers throughout the Midwestern US. Michael Family Farms is also a partner-owner in a state-of-the-art growing, storage, packing, and shipping facility. Built in 2008 in White Pigeon, Michigan, Fresh Solutions Farm enables Network Partners to better serve their Midwest customers.
About Fresh Solutions Network, LLC
Fresh Solutions Network (FSN) is the exclusive supplier of Side Delights® potatoes and onions. FSN is a group of family-owned potato and onion growers and shippers who help fresh potato and onion buyers grow their categories, maximize category investment, and increase sales. FSN delivers category insights, collaborative innovation, and customized assortment. Fresh Solutions Network, LLC partners include: Masser Family of Companies, Inc. (Masser Potato Farms and Keystone Potato Products in Sacramento and Hegins, PA), Fresh Solution Farms (White Pigeon, MI), Michael Family Farms, Inc. (Urbana, OH), Basin Gold Cooperative, Inc. (Pasco, WA), and NoKota Packers, Inc. (Buxton, ND).