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Partridge Creek Farm tells Ishpeming council it grew 2,500 pounds of food and will expand programming
Summary
Partridge Creek Farm leaders updated the council on farm operations, education and food‑access programming. The nonprofit said it harvested about 2,500 pounds of produce last year, runs a farm stand that accepts SNAP and plans expanded growing space and youth programs for 2025.
Partridge Creek Farm leaders gave the City Council a progress report Wednesday on local food, education and community garden programming.
Co‑interim executive directors Kate Argo and Mary Ann Jonas said the nonprofit runs a 3.75‑acre community farm and five neighborhood garden sites across Ishpeming. In its first growing season on the Cleveland Avenue site, Partridge Creek said it produced more than 2,500 pounds of food and enrolled 30 people in an agricultural program for high school students.
The farm stand and food access The group said its West End Farm Stand accepted SNAP and other food assistance last season and that more than half of the stand’s sales were paid with food assistance programs. Partridge Creek also said 63% of its community‑supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions went to SNAP‑eligible households.
Planned expansion and programming Partridge Creek leaders told the council they plan to double growing space by adding a second hoop house, expand the farm stand and CSA, host field trips and skill shares, and launch a summer camp and a pilot “grandkids in the garden” program with the Ishpeming Senior Center. The farm’s kickoff farm‑stand date is scheduled for June 11 with weekly hours Wed. 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Support and partnerships The presenters thanked the city for infrastructure support (noting help with a broken water main) and said they are partnering with local organizations including Northwoods Test Kitchen and Ishpeming High School for processing and education work.
Speakers Kate Argo identified herself as a Partridge Creek co‑interim executive director and finance director; Mary Ann Jonas spoke as Partridge Creek staff. Council did not take formal action on the presentation.
How to participate Partridge Creek leaders encouraged residents to volunteer, attend farm‑stand and skill‑share events, and use community grazing beds where fresh herbs and produce are available to passersby.
