2024 Farm to School Institute attendees attend the farm and garden tour to learn more about farm to school programming. (Photo courtesy of PCF marketing coordinator, Camden Kinnie)

ISHPEMING — Partridge Creek Farm, in partnership with Marquette-Alger RESA and MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center is excited to announce that registration is now open for the upcoming 2026 Central U.P. Farm to School Institute.

The event will take place May 19-20 in downtown Ishpeming at the Mather Inn and at PCF sites. This free professional development opportunity welcomes educators, school foodservice managers, farmers, food producers, and community partners who are passionate about local food education. Participants can register for this event at PartridgeCreekFarm.org/farm-to-school-institute.

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 training 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.

Mary Antonia Andronis, Partridge Creek Farm’s director of Programs and Partnerships highlights the importance of collaboration, stating,“Improving our local food system would be virtually impossible in a silo. With partnerships like those cultivated at the Farm-to-School Institute, we are able to pool resources, knowledge, and have an impact beyond the scope of any of our individual work.”

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.

To register for the 2026 Farm to School Institute and learn more about the event, please visit PartridgeCreekFarm.org/farm-to-school-institute. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.