Partridge Creek Farm (PCF) has been awarded the Innovation Hub Award for the Food Futures Project: Connecting Rural Production, Procurement, and Processing in the UP through Education, Collaboration, and Community. PCF is one of only two Michigan organizations to receive this award.
This initiative will enhance access to locally grown produce from Partridge Creek Farm by incorporating it into the cafeterias of Negaunee and Ishpeming school districts. The produce will be processed at Northwoods Test Kitchen and prepared by Chartwells, ensuring that students receive fresh, nutritious meals.
The project aims to address the challenges faced by local farmers and highlight the importance of hyperlocal food systems in the U.P.. The Innovation Hub Award was made possible through the support of grant partners that include Michigan State University Extension, Marquette-Alger RESA, Northwoods Test Kitchen, and Chartwells, which will propel efforts to revolutionize local food systems in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The Food Futures Project addresses the challenges of traditional funding models that often favor large-scale, corporate farming, leaving small, diversified farms and rural communities underserved. By implementing food safety procedures and creating integrated supply chains, the project will connect local farms directly with school cafeterias. It will involve students in choosing their lunch options, promote healthier eating habits, and strengthen local agriculture. Additionally, the initiative will develop templates, training programs, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to help other rural communities adopt similar practices.
“We are immensely grateful for the support of our grant partners and community collaborators who share our vision for sustainable local food systems and educational excellence,” said Mary Antonia Andronis, Director of Programs and Partnerships at Partridge Creek Farm. “We extend our thanks to our community partners, including Ishpeming Public School District No. 1, Negaunee Public Schools, Little Parsley Farm, and the U.P. Food Exchange, for their invaluable contributions to the Food Futures Project.”
This project represents a significant advancement in addressing regional food supply challenges. By focusing on hyper-local solutions, PCF and its partners aim to build a resilient local food economy, keep more dollars within rural communities, create local jobs, and provide fresh, healthy food to those in need.
For more information and to get involved, visit Partridge Creek Farm’s website at PartridgeCreekFarm.org.
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