51 North Brewing supports Michigan with launch party, food drive

A Michigan brewery is teaming up with a local mustard company for an event to support each other, local charity and the spirit of Michigan-made business.

51 North Brewing Co. of Lake Orion, Mich., is hosting a launch party for Backwoods Mustard Co. of Davison, Mich., an event that will double as a community food drive to benefit Gleaners Community Food Bank.

The public launch party for Backwoods Mustard Co. is on June 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. On the day of the event, 51 North Brewery will donate 5 percent of total beer sales to Gleaners Community Food Bank, and from 4 to 7 p.m. they will raise their donation amount to 10 percent. From June 3 to June 15, Backwoods Mustard will also donate 10 percent of all online retail sales to Gleaners Community Food Bank. Food drive collection boxes will be located inside 51 North Brewing and at Backwoods Mustard retailer Bueche’s Food World, in Ortonville, Mich., for collection of non-perishable food donations.

51 North Brewery opened its doors in January, and Adam Beratta, Beer Czar at 51 North, garnered three medals at the first competition he entered, the World Expo of Brewing. The creators of Backwoods Mustard have been in the mustard game since 1992. The goal of Backwoods Mustard Co. is to make premium specialty foods that reflect both their admiration and appreciation for the great outdoors.

“We are proud to be a Made in Michigan company. Michigan is not only our home but it’s also part of our brand identity,” stated David Saterstad, vice president of Backwoods Mustard Co.

“This event not only celebrates Made in Michigan companies, but it’s also a chance to give back to the community that supports both of our companies and enables us to be here,” said Brian Ernst, president of Backwoods Mustard.

Founded in 1977, Gleaners Community Food Bank is one of the oldest and largest food banks in the country. Today, it distributes more than 46 million pounds of emergency food annually, equivalent to more than 746,000 meals per week. Headquartered in Detroit, Gleaners Community Food Bank operates a total of four distribution centers located in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties, which provide food to 558 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other agencies throughout southeastern Michigan. Of every dollar donated, Gleaners Community Food Bank uses 93 cents for food and food programs.