- Published on
-
-
- Published on
-
- Published on
A letter from Director of Operations Sam Guerin, Amherst Survival Center.
Hey Rick, Harrison, and the rest of the Bardwell Farm family and crew,
The Amherst Survival Center is round about halfway through our Farm to Pantry project funded by MDAR’s Local Food Purchasing Agreement—a great moment to share the enormous impact that you’re making in our community by partnering with us.
In the first 9 months of this project , the Amherst Survival Center’s Food Pantry has distributed over 1 million pounds of food directly to 7,000 plus unique individuals in Hampshire and Franklin counties. In fiscal year 2024 we distributed more than 1.7 million pounds in the pantry: that’s 30% more food than in our previous fiscal year, and 175% more food than we distributed in 2020. We couldn’t do it without the local food that we receive via donations or purchase from farms like yours.
"Thanks to MDAR’s grant program, we’ve been able to invest in our local farm communities and purchase more than 100,000 pounds of fresh, local produce, meat, and dairy from 30+ Massachusetts farmers and producers and distribute it directly to your communities."
This local food has been instrumental in helping us bridge the gap to meet the record need that we’re seeing, as well as just being, well, incredible product. From your lettuces, to your broccoli, to your hearty greens, your produce has allowed us to offer consistency, stability, and choice, in an emergency food system where those qualities are often treated as luxuries. Our participants have been ecstatic to have the opportunity to choose local when they shop, and our produce displays have never looked more abundant. Your fresh onions in particular have been a real hit, enabling folks to choose culturally relevant foods: for some, the difference between a fresh onion and a storage onion helps to create a real sense of belonging. It's also just great to watch a family head out the door with a produce bag brimming with fresh green stalks.
This project has really been an incredible boon for us, and we hope that it has benefited you as well! If there is anything that we could do to be a better purchasing partner, we’re all ears. Additionally, any input that you can give from the farmer side of things would go a long way to helping us contextualize the impact of this project on the larger valley food system (and to advocate with MDAR to try and keep a good thing going!) And, as always, our doors are always open if you want to swing across the river and see your stuff in action.
Looking ahead to the dog days of summer, the fall, and onward, we’re excited to keep pushing towards making a stronger food system for all: farmers and the folks they feed.
Cheers,
Sam Guerin (he/him)
Director of Operations
Amherst Survival Center
www.amherstsurvival.org
-
- Published on
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 -
- Published on
-
- Published on
