Ishpeming gets $300,000 grant to bolster food programs

What's happening: Increased food and community focused programming will come from a $300,000 grant awarded to the city of Ishpeming. The municipality received the grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Community Center program. The city will pair with local Partridge Creek Farm to create a space that could be used for exhibitor fairs, farmers markets, equipment demonstrations and more. It will also include a skate park.

Furthering urban farming in the U.P.: This project continues an ongoing aspect of the Partridge Creek Intergenerational Farm in downtown Ishpeming. The location includes 3.5 acres specifically used to create farm-to-school efforts, large community garden space and additional areas that can be used for hands-on experimental learning. The project has already seen success in supplying crops to local food assistance programs and school cafeterias. 

What they're saying: “This grant helps us further realize our goal of providing superior support and programming to our residents, their families and our workforce, enabling them to thrive and continue to grow together as a community,” said Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini. “We are grateful to the Michigan Community Center Grants program for prioritizing the needs of our city through this $300,000 grant, allowing us to promote needed programming that increases food security and opportunities for recreation in partnership with Partridge Creek Farm.”

What's next: Projects will begin this summer to help with the construction and the growing season; programming will start after installation is completed. For more information, go to Partridge Creek Farm.
Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.