Registration Is Now Open for the Free 2026 Central UP Farm to School Institute

2025 Farm-to-School Institute attendees pose in front of the Mather Inn in Ishpeming, MI.

Partridge Creek Farm (PCF), in partnership with Marquette-Alger RESA and MSU UP Research and Extension Center is excited to announce that registration is now open for the upcoming 2025 Central UP Farm to School Institute. The event will take place May 19th-20th in downtown Ishpeming, MI at the Mather Inn and at PCF sites. This free professional development opportunity welcomes educators, food service directors, farmers, food producers, and community partners who are passionate about local food education.

The Central UP Farm-to-School Institute is hosted by Partridge Creek Farm, Marquette Alger-RESA, and MSU Extension

Learn More About The Institute

What to Expect

The Central U.P. Farm to School Institute is a professional development event designed to provide attendees with the knowledge, resources, and strategies necessary to implement successful farm-to-school initiatives in their communities. This free, two day digs into engaging students in school gardens, project-based learning, and safe integration of local ingredients into school cafeterias. 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 nutritional education within their own school district.

Additional Information

Attendees are invited to share this opportunity with colleagues, friends, and anyone interested in promoting local food education within their communities. Previous participants are welcomed to return, as each year features a diverse range of topics. Snacks as well as lunch that features local food will be provided, as well as water, and beverages. Free SCECHs are available for teachers, and substitute costs can also be covered.