ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Chefs from Marquette County restaurants stepped out of the kitchen Tuesday night and into the garden.
The third annual “Chefs in the Garden” brought dozens of people outside to enjoy freshly cooked meals and give back to Partridge Creek Farms.
“These are some of our best donors, our board members, and those who were willing to pay $250 a plate to support the farm,” remarked Partridge Creek founder and board member Dan Perkins.
The farm is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Tuesday night’s dinner was a chance to display all the projects and programs the farm is working on throughout the community.
“We are really putting in the forefront the community work that’s happening in the organization in the community,” added Farm Director May Tsupros.
An example is the intergenerational farm being built next to Ishpeming High School. The 3.75-acre farm will supply the school with food.
“60% of the produce grown there goes directly back into the school cafeteria,” commented Tsupros.
The farm will also teach students about agriculture. It will supplement programs that PCF is already running in area Schools. The programs have been successful in teaching students about developing healthy habits and getting them interested in sustainable food sources
“We have heard from teachers that attendance on farm-to-school days attendance goes up,” said Tsupros.
The farm also runs a community-supported agriculture program, people can subscribe to receive a weekly order of vegetables. The farm accepts EBT and food stamps for the program
“This work is more important than ever right now,” added Tsupros.
With the rising cost of food and growing food insecurity around the country, PCF realizes its importance to the community and has no plans to slow down.
For more information on programs offered by the farm visit here.
