PCF & Community Partners Host 2nd Annual Farm to School Institute
The 2nd annual Farm to School Institute took place from June 18th-June 29th in Ishpeming. This free educational opportunity invited educators, food service directors, farmers/food producers, and community partners passionate about local food education to participate. Participants came from all over Michigan to learn more about building Farm to School Programs in their own communities.
More About The Farm to School Institute
The Farm to School Institute is a professional development opportunity designed to equip attendees with the knowledge, resources, and strategies necessary to implement successful farm-to-school initiatives in their communities. Through engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable insights into integrating local food into school meals, incorporating agriculture-based curriculum into classrooms, and fostering meaningful connections between students, food, and local producers.
Day 1 Activities
Attendees participated in an ice breaker sharing their personal food memories, where they are from, and why they attended the Institute.
From there, attendees enjoyed some fun and educational Workshops by Partridge Creek Compost and a session on Land Based Learning led by Abby Palmer (MSU Extension) and Haley Braiser (MARESA). Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, take notes, and share knowledge during these informative sessions. After lunch participants learned more about eating local led by May Tsupros (MSU Center For Regional Food Systems).
A nourishing lunch was provided by Rare Earth Goods.
Day 2
Day 2 of the Institute was great! Participants continued to learn more about Farm to School Programming. Attendees then had the opportunity to attend either a Healthy Cooking demo put on by Haley Braiser (MARESA) and Mary Andronis (Partridge Creek Farm), or attend an informative Workshop on Hydroponics put on by Kim Kolasa-Smith from Fork Farms. During the afternoon sessions a Workshop titled Manoomin minawa Minobimaadziwin, The Good berry and the Good Life, led by Pamela Valdez from the Marquette Food Co-op.
Lunch was provided by Northwoods Test Kitchen.
Day 3
The last day of Farm to School came quickly! Attendees began their day at Lakeview Elementary in Negaunee to learn about the school’s garden and Farm to School program, inclusive gardens and diverse learners, and funding a Farm to School Program. After lunch Farm to School Institute leaders met attendees in the Partridge Creek Farm Middle School Garden to learn about PCF programming and the history of our Gardens. Attendees had a chance to tour the PCF Community Garden as well as the PCF Intergenerational Farm.
Lunch was provided by Northwoods Test Kitchen.
Special Thank You’s
A huge thank you to our attendees for traveling from all over the state of Michigan to come learn about Farm to School Programming!
Another thank you to our Community Partners for creating a wonderful 3 day Institute to share the knowledge of Farm to School Programming, and thank you to Community Partners who provided nourishing lunches for attendees.
