(WXYZ) — Restaurants will be able to sell food and pantry items under a new partnership announced by the state on Monday.

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced the partnership

Through the partnership, restaurants can get training on proper labeling so they can sell food and pantry items directly to consumers, which gives people more option and keeps the supply chain going.

“Michigan’s food and agriculture industry continues to demonstrate why it is considered one of the most diverse, innovative, and nimble in the nation,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This partnership is yet another example of how our businesses and our state agencies have worked together to solve problems quickly, not only for the industry, but also for Michigan consumers.”

“These partnerships—these solutions—don’t happen by luck or by accident,” MDARD Director Gary McDowell said in a release. “A state agency like MDARD is able to partner with private industry and an association like MRLA and make change quickly because of the relationships that have been built over decades. When Michigan distilleries say they can change their operations to make much-needed hand sanitizer, MDARD paves the regulatory road and gets out of the way. And when restaurants tell us they have excess food coming in that could be sold directly to consumers, we work with MRLA to help get that done.”

“Michigan restaurants are facing the COVID-19 crisis head-on and ensuring Michiganders have access to safe food. Grocery stores are overwhelmed with unprecedented demand. The food supply chain for the restaurant industry is, vetted, reliable and a great resource to supplement traditional grocery stores,” MRLA President and CEO Justin Winslow added in a release. “Having restaurants sell typical grocery items will help support the extremely taxed grocery stores and provide customers with access to the essential food supplies they need during the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order issued by Governor Whitmer.”

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