Register for the Central UP Farm-to-School Institute
Join our FREE 2 day professional development opportunity to help gain experience with local food through project-based learning!
2024 Farm to School Institute attendees attend the farm and garden tour to learn more about farm to school programming. Photo by PCF Marketing Coordinator, Camden Kinnie.
Learn how to engage students in school gardens.
Explore project-based learning.
Learn more about safe food integration into your school cafeteria.
Participants will learn to link academic subjects with food systems change while building a network of regional food partners.
Every attendee will walk away with a variety of resources including curriculum and practical strategies to enhance local food access and education.
What You’ll Learn
Who Can Attend
This is a FREE 2 day professional development opportunity in person in Ishpeming, MI at Partridge Creek Farm. This opportunity is open to:
Teachers
School Foodservice Manager
Community Partners
Each year, the Institute's agenda features diverse topics, providing returning participants with the chance to explore a wide range of subjects.
Register For This Event
While this is a FREE 2 day development opportunity we still require attendees to register so that we can best prepare.
May 19th 2026
May 20th 2026
The Farm to School Institute will take place at the Mather Inn in downtown Ishpeming, MI. As well as learning opportunities in PCF Farm and Garden sites.
Register for the free 2026 Central U.P. Farm-to-School Institute below!
Learn More About Partridge Creek Farm
Partridge Creek Community Farm
550 Cleveland Ave Ishpeming MI
Partridge Creek Community Programming
Explore our programming!
Partridge Creek Community Gardens
Explore our Gardens!
FAQs
Please expand and read each section below to learn more about the Central UP Farm-to-School Institute.
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Registration will close when the event reaches capacity. However, please reach out to hbrasier@maresa.org if you would like to get on the waitlist.
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2026 Detailed agenda to come.
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The training is planned to take place at The Mather Inn (107 Canda Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849). We will visit other locations, including the Partridge Creek Community Farm and gardens, and will share details with attendees at the training.
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For CCISD and GOISD teachers, yes!
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Teachers and school staff cannot receive a stipend for attending if their school is still in session. Previous trainings were scheduled in June, when schools were out.
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In the past, this training was able to provide funding for travel for participants. Due to a changed grant landscape, we are no longer able to offer mileage and lodging to all participants. Check with your school’s business office to see if there is funding available for professional development and associated travel. If financial support is a determining factor in your attendance, please contact Haley at hbrasier@maresa.org.
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You are responsible for booking your own lodging. Lodging options are available in Ishpeming, Marquette, and surrounding areas -- here’s a list from Travel Marquette.
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Snacks as well as lunch that features local food will be provided, as well as water, and beverages. Please indicate in the registration form if you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies.
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This event is a mix of workshops, panels, and hands-on activities both indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather! Some sessions will be all together, and some will be breakouts where participants can choose the session that interests them most. A community mixer, where participants can talk with organizations that support farm to school in our area will take place onsite at the Mather. We are planning tours of farms and gardens, as well. Watch your email for a draft agenda, coming in May!
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Please contact Partridge Creek Farm’s Director of Programs and Partnerships, Mary Antonia Andronis with any Farm-to-School Institute questions.
Office: (906) 376-4171
