Dan Perkins of Partridge Creek Farms in Ishpeming puts fresh lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and Kohlrabi from his farm in a basket during a past Downtown Marquette Farmers Market. (Journal file photo))

ISHPEMING — Partridge Creek Farm, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to food access and education in Ishpeming, has been awarded a $100,000 Rural Development Fund Grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

This award marks the second MDARD grant aimed at supporting PCF–the first, awarded in 2022 to the Ishpeming Public School District, was vital in building the initial infrastructure for the outdoor classroom space featured at Partridge Creek Community Farm, which launched its inaugural growing season in 2024.

Now entering Phase 3 of its development, the Community Farm is set to expand its growing space and deepen its impact on local food system development. The 3.75-acre farm, which quickly became a hub for fresh food, community engagement, and hands-on learning on the West End of Marquette County in its first year, will increase its growing capacity through key infrastructure improvements funded by this latest MDARD grant.

The upgrades planned for 2025 include improved drainage systems to enhance crop yields, strategic investments in soil health to build a nutrient-rich ecosystem, new fencing to protect the expanded growing area from deer and other wildlife, and essential equipment rentals and engineering services to support these efforts. Together, these enhancements will double the farm’s production capacity by the summer of 2026, enabling PCF to expand its Community Supported Agriculture program, boost fresh food donations and increase educational opportunities for students in the Ishpeming Public School District and local residents.

“We’ll be using the funds to continue developing our farm site,” said Partridge Creek Farm Manager Allison Stawara. “Specifically, we’re focusing on the west side, finishing key groundwork outlined in our farm plan to expand our growing area and address some water management challenges. These improvements will help us grow more food and better serve our mission of feeding and supporting our community, which is exciting to see come to life.”

The MDARD-funded expansion also strengthens PCF’s role in their Food Futures Project, a regional initiative supported by the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub. In collaboration with Michigan State University Extension, Marquette-Alger RESA, Northwoods Test Kitchen, and Chartwells, the initiative aims to build a resilient farm-to-cafeteria supply chain across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

As part of this work, PCF leads crop planning to align local farms with school nutrition standards, provides professional development for food service staff and farmers, engages students through taste tests and school garden activities, and supports youth-led storytelling and research through the Food Stories and LIFT-UP projects.

By blending on-the-ground farm expansion with systemic food access strategies and educational outreach, PCF’s work–supported by this MDARD grant–delivers long-term value for the Ishpeming community and beyond.

Partridge Creek Farm gratefully acknowledges its 2025 funding partners, including the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Community Center Grant, Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub, Superior Health Foundation, West End Health Foundation, Marquette Breakfast Rotary, and Trust for Civic Life.

PCF is one of several organizations selected for support through MDARD’s 2025 Rural Development Fund Grant program. To learn more about the program and grant, visit Michigan.gov/MDARD.