HOUGHTON — The Western Upper Peninsula Food Systems Collaborative invites the public to review their 4th annual report; the report highlights a sampling of area projects taking place last calendar year in support of stronger and healthier local food systems.

Community members’ photos from WUPFSC’s local food photo contest further share the richness of the region’s seasons, tastes, and perspectives.

Updates from Manoomin (Wild Rice) Camp, coordinated by Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, as well as a Fall Harvest Celebration, the Humongous Fungus Festival, and the Biblio Bistro series emphasize the breadth of knowledge, creativity, leadership, and determination that enrichens our communities across cultures and generations.

Readers will learn more about the Portage Lake Seed Library, free and open to all, as well as the Calumet Community Garden’s first season. Regional Farm to School efforts and the launch of a regional food systems survey combined partner collaboration and research to identify next steps in improving access to fresh, healthy foods.

Also in 2022, local farmers and partners kicked off a new grassroots effort — From the Ground Farmers Market Collaborative — in effort to better support local farmers and food access across our communities, including the acceptance of food assistance programs and debit/credit cards at partner farmers markets.

Food preservation classes at North Harvest CSA and farm stays and tours at Apple Acres Farm created new opportunities for community members to learn with and from local farmers.

The third season of Copper Shores Community Health Foundation’s Collective Community Supported Agriculture program provided a total of $7200 worth of fresh produce from area farms to 12 participating families.

As MTU students reflected on their experience facilitating a community-based research food stories project, these community-based efforts strengthen local foodways, or the intersections of local cultures, histories, traditions, and futures.

WUPFSC is a grassroots coalition of food growers and procurers, public health and civic partners, scientists, educators, land and water stewards, students, and community members. WUPFSC works to strengthen our communities by identifying and supporting our food systems’ unique gifts, local needs, and regional priorities.

WUPFSC’s vision is to create a supportive, interconnected, and equitable food system across our region through service and stewardship for the wellbeing of our earth, air, and water, and all living beings.

Those interested can find downloadable versions of this year’s annual report, as well as those from years, on the WUPFSC website: https://www.wupfoodsystems.com/reports.