Massachusetts is seeing a rise in the number of farms managed by non-profit organizations with a strong social or educational mission. Community Harvest Project, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is “To build an engaged and healthier community by bringing volunteers together to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for hunger relief. “ At Community Harvest Project, thousands of volunteers come every year to help plant, tend and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables for their neighbors in need. Produce is distributed through partner agencies including Worcester County Food Bank’s network of hunger relief organizations which serve over 100,000 people. In 2013, Community Harvest Project donated over 324,000 lbs. – or 1.1 million servings – of fresh fruits and vegetables. Come and learn about how this farm and organization is succeeding and making a difference in the food systems of the Worcester region!
We will tour the automated irrigation system, new greenhouse, hay-blower for mulching, and ethnic crops trials, and learn about how CHP operates, how food gets distributed, how the volunteer farming program works, and how nutrition education is integrated with food distribution.
Refreshments will be served including Sancocho, a traditional Central American soup.
Pesticide applicator recertification credits (up to 2 contact hours) will be offered.
For more information and directions see: http://www.community-harvest.org/
Contact Frank Mangan, fmangan@umass.edu or Ken Dion, phone: 508-951-3466 or kdionfly@verizon.net
