Why Is This Michigan Town SO Obsessed With Baby Food?

How obsessed are they? Well, they have a whole festival for it!

And believe it or not, it turns out there's actually a very logical reason behind this annual celebration.

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Block off your calendar because it's getting to be that special time of the year when Fremont, Michigan hosts the National Baby Food Festival.

Now known as the "Baby Food Capital of the World" Fremont holds the National Baby Food Festival (NBFF) each year during the third full week of July, but how and why did it start in the first place?

Fremont Canning Company

Frank Gerber (yes, that Gerber) founded the Fremont Canning Company in rural Michigan in 1901. At the time, the company's sole focus was packaging peas, beans, and fruits. That was, until the wife of Frank's son Daniel made a suggestion: sell pre-strained baby food. 

Daniel's wife Dorothy complained of the tedious and time-consuming process of, "cooking, mashing, and otherwise preparing solid foods for infants" and after careful planning and research the baby food line was first introduced in 1928.

This year the festival will take place July 17-20, 2024 and feature fun baby-themed events for all ages, not just babies! Attendees can expect to see the kids parade and the grand parade, enjoy the carnival, car show, baby crawl, and of course-- baby food eating contest! Says the Fremont Chamber of Commerce,

Fremont draws over 50,000 people...each year for the Festival. The National Baby Food Festival has a reputation for providing good clean family fun, so come and join us for the Festival!