Ishpeming Farm Amplifies Food Production and Community Connections with New MDARD Grant

A 3.5-acre farm in downtown Ishpeming is making remarkable progress, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Partridge Creek Farm, focused on improving food access and education, is entering its third phase of development.

Manager Allison Stawara shared that this grant will help expand the farm significantly. The funds are earmarked for constructing a new hoop house, which will allow for growing produce in off-seasons. Improved drainage systems will enhance soil quality and crop yields. Additionally, new fencing will protect the crops from deer and other wildlife.

With these upgrades, Partridge Creek Farm aims to double its production capacity by summer 2026. This will power an expanded Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and boost donations of fresh food to local residents and schools, especially in the Ishpeming Public School District.

“All of these changes will help us serve our community better,” says Stawara. The farm is also involved in the Food Futures Project, a regional initiative that aims to build a farm-to-cafeteria supply chain in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This includes aligning local farms with school nutrition standards and facilitating educational activities like taste tests and school gardens.

Partridge Creek Farm began in 2013 as a community non-profit. Initially focused on community gardens, it produced about 2,000 pounds of food annually. The farm is now growing rapidly, thanks to more staff and significant grant support. Recent funding has allowed for the development of outdoor classroom spaces, helping to educate people of all ages about gardening and cultural traditions.

The long-term vision for Partridge Creek Farm includes an acre dedicated to production, community buildings, outdoor classrooms, and specialized hoop houses. These efforts aim to ensure a year-round supply of locally grown food.

Funding partners include the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and several local health foundations. This collaboration highlights a growing trend towards community-supported agriculture, emphasizing the need for sustainable food systems.

According to the USDA, farm-to-school programs like those Partridge Creek Farm is implementing are increasingly popular, with about 50% of school districts reporting participation in such initiatives. This reflects a broad shift toward healthier school meals and more robust local food economies.

As communities seek stronger connections between local farms and schools, Partridge Creek Farm exemplifies how grassroots efforts can strengthen food systems and enhance education.



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