Credit Rachel's Table | Volunteers harvesting cucumbers

In the picturesque landscape of Western Massachusetts, three organizations have joined forces to combat hunger and food insecurity. Rachel’s Table, Carrots 2 Carrots, and Bardwell Farm are working to ensure that no one goes hungry. Let’s delve into this inspiring collaboration.

Rachel’s Table: Gleaning Cucumbers
For the past couple of weeks, Rachel’s Table volunteers have been visiting Bardwell Farm, to glean larger pickling cucumbers. These cucumbers, which might otherwise go to waste, are carefully harvested and collected. Rachel’s Table’s mission is clear: to rescue surplus produce and redistribute it to those in need.

Carrots 2 Carrots: A Voice for Food Security
Carrots 2 Carrots, a passionate organization co-founded by Liz Denny, has been at the forefront of the battle against food insecurity. Liz, also an employee of Bardwell Farm, understands the importance of community collaboration. Her advocacy and dedication have amplified the impact of this joint effort.

Bardwell Farm: Cultivating Change
Bardwell Farm, nestled in the heart of Western Massachusetts, has opened its doors to Rachel’s Table and Carrots 2 Carrots. By providing access to their fields and resources, Bardwell Farm plays a crucial role in ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reach those who need them most.

Serving the Food-Insecure Community
Together, these organizations serve a diverse range of community members. From women and children to elders, veterans, people with disabilities, unhoused individuals, immigrants, and refugees, their commitment knows no bounds. The impact extends beyond county lines, occasionally reaching into Berkshire County and even Hartford County in Connecticut.

As we celebrate this collaboration, let us remember that every cucumber harvested, every meal shared, contributes to a more compassionate world. Rachel’s Table, Carrots 2 Carrots, and Bardwell Farm remind us that together, we can sow seeds of hope and nourish our communities.

To learn more about each organization and how you can get involved, visit their websites below! 

Rachel’s Table
Carrots 2 Carrots 
Bardwell Farm

Photo Harrison Bardwell | 2023 Thanksgiving Vegetable Boxes

The seeds of Carrots 2 Carrots were planted in the aftermath of the devastating 2023 floods that ravaged our region. Local farmers, including ourselves, faced unprecedented crop losses.

Inspired by a desire to help, Liz Denny, an advocate for food security, envisioned a solution. Inspired by our annual Holiday Vegetable Boxes, a program offering local, affordable produce during the festive season, Liz saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between struggling farmers and families in need. Her idea was simple yet profound: create a donation-based program to purchase surplus produce from local farms, then distribute it to local survival centers.

Liz's passion and determination grew and soon she see set her sights on other opportunities to give back. Her vision resonated deeply with us, and we were thrilled to be the first farm to partner with Carrots 2 Carrots. Her love of Hatfield and local farms led her to join the Bardwell Farm team as a valued member of our farmstand crew.

Together, we've been able to make a difference in the lives of many people. Carrots 2 Carrots is more than just a program; it's a testament to the power of one persons idea, community, and the importance of supporting local farmers and those less fortunate.

We're incredibly proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to expanding its reach in the very near future.

If you would like to contribute Carrots 2 Carrots please visit the home page or message us!

Gleaning /ɡlēn/
verb
1. : to gather grain or other produce left by reapers. 2. : to gather information or material bit by bit.

In the context of food security, gleaning is the practice of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after the main harvest. Traditionally, this was done by hand, with people gathering the remaining produce that wasn't profitable for farmers to harvest.

Gleaning helps to:

• Reduce food waste: By recovering crops that would otherwise be discarded.
• Increase food access: Providing fresh produce to those in need, particularly in communities with limited access to grocery stores.
• Support local communities: Gleaning often involves volunteers from the community, creating opportunities for people to give back and strengthen their connection to the food system.
• Complement existing food assistance programs: Gleaning can supplement food banks, soup kitchens, and other organizations working to address hunger.

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By rescuing surplus crops, gleaning helps to ensure that everyone has access to the fresh, healthy food they deserve.
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