Success Story | PCF Expands Outreach & Production Through MDARDs Rural Development Fund Grant
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has published its October newsletter in celebration of Agritourism Month. We are proud to announce that Partridge Creek Farm (PCF) has been highlighted as a ‘Success Story’ within this edition. The feature provides an overview of PCF’s mission and our positive impact on the community, as well as detailing the funding received in 2022 through MDARD’s Rural Development Fund Grant program. This grant has enabled PCF to develop the Intergenerational Farm, aimed at educating individuals of all ages about plant cultivation, health and wellbeing, as well as enabled PCF to increase access to healthy fresh foods in Ishpeming’s West End.
PCF’s Executive Director, Sara Johnson shared PCF’s gratitude the best by stating, “Partridge Creek Farm is grateful to MDARD for investing in our Intergenerational Farm. Rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to food, agriculture, and supply chains. By choosing to support our efforts, MDARD is showing the important role that small, community farms play in providing food access to our communities.”
Learn More About PCF’s Impact In The Community
PCF Aims to Increase Food Access In Their Community
The 2024 growing season marked an exciting milestone as it was the inaugural year for the Intergenerational Farm. This season also saw the grand opening of the West End Farm Stand, aimed at enhancing access to healthy food options within our community.
Strategically located in downtown Ishpeming, the stand is easily accessible to many residents, allowing them to walk there. Additionally, PCF proudly stands out as one of the only organizations in the West End to accept Food as Medicine Vouchers, further promoting equitable access to nutritious food.
How PCF’s Education Programming Reached the Community
The name "Intergenerational Farm" reflects PCF's vision of creating an inclusive space for all ages and generations. During the past growing season, PCF launched community Skill Shares, inviting residents of all ages to come to the farm to learn and share new skills.
In addition, the Ishpeming High School Senior LIFT-UP class has been actively volunteering at the farm through the LIFT-UP program, which seeks to connect farmers and students in the Upper Peninsula to collaboratively tackle local challenges.
Both of these programs exemplify PCF’s mission to connect our community with one another through food access and education opportunities!
