Every October, thousands of schools and organizations around the country join together to promote healthy eating and agricultural education by giving students hands-on learning experiences including growing their own produce and participating in cooking classes.

Partridge Creek Farm offers all Ishpeming fifth- and sixth-graders the opportunity to participate in the program.

The month-long list of activities culminating in the opportunity for the students to sell their fresh, locally grown produce at their own farm stand.

The farm stand is scheduled to take place Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Ishpeming Middle School garden. The farm stand offers a bit of competition for the students, with the team of students that sells the most produce deciding how the money is spent to improve the school garden for future students.

Also this year, students are participating in the Local Food Cook-Off which will see the winning team’s recipe added to the school’s cafeteria lunch menu.

“We are so excited and proud to partner with Partridge Creek Farm to create this community farm and to provide opportunities for learning, connection and possible career pathways for Ishpeming students,” said Ishpeming Middle/High School Principal Seth Hoopingarner in a press release. “There is a massive economic need for professionals in food production and this Career and Technical Education program will prepare Ishpeming students for the future economy in the U.P.”

Anyone who is interested in donating to the program can do so online at www.partridgecreekfarm.org.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net