Partridge Creek Farm expands food access with community gardens and educational programs

The City of Ishpeming Council meeting on May 21, 2025, focused on key updates regarding local water utility management and community agricultural initiatives.

During the meeting, officials reported on the city's water utility practices, highlighting the proactive measures taken to assist residents facing financial difficulties. In March, the city mailed out 354 shut-off notices, resulting in 55 shut-offs, while in April, 371 notices were sent, leading to 35 shut-offs. Notably, most residents paid their bills within a day of receiving the notices. The utility staff has been actively connecting residents with local agencies that provide financial assistance for water bills, successfully securing $60,000 in aid for residents last year. Additionally, the city has begun making calls prior to issuing shut-off notices, aiming to reduce the number of shut-offs.

The meeting also featured a presentation from Partridge Creek Farm, a local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing access to fresh food through farming and education. Co-executive directors Kate Argo and Mary Ann Jonas shared the organization's achievements, including the production of over 2,500 pounds of food in their first year of farming on Cleveland Avenue and the operation of a community farm stand that accepted food assistance dollars. They reported that more than half of their sales came from SNAP and other food assistance programs, indicating their success in reaching those in need. The organization also engages local youth in agricultural education, with over 90 students participating in healthy cooking classes and farm-related activities.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to supporting residents through utility assistance and promoting community health and sustainability through local agriculture initiatives.