Community Harvest receives 75 acre donation in Harvard

Community Harvest Project (CHP), a nonprofit that farms vegetables for the Worcester County Food Bank, announced on Wednesday that they received a major land gift of property located in Harvard, Massachusetts.

According to the press release a philanthropic couple from Harvard who wishes to remain anonymous donated 75 acres to the Community Harvest Project. The land includes 30 acres of apple orchard, one acre designated for vegetable farming, two barns, a pond, and scenic open field.

“The donors gave the land to Community Harvest Project because they admired the nonprofit’s work in hunger relief and said that the organization’s efforts “struck a chord” with them. This property gives CHP the opportunity to grow significantly more produce to distribute throughout Worcester County to help individuals and families in need,” said CHP.

CHP President, David White said, “This is a gift beyond our wildest dreams. It will allow us to increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables that we’re able to grow for hunger relief, in addition to providing land ownership to ensure CHP’s efforts are sustainable into the future.”

Community Harvest Project is hosting an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, November 16th from 1:00-4:00pm at its Harvard property located at 115 Prospect Hill Road, and invites Harvard residents to meet the Board and Staff of CHP to learn more about the organization’s mission. “We are thrilled to meet our new neighbors and work with them to build a healthier community,” said CHP Executive Director, Kristin Bafaro.

Community Harvest Project (CHP), a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to improving access to healthy foods through community engagement. Through their volunteer farming, education, and leadership programs and partnerships, they bring thousands of community members together each year to improve access to healthy foods for individuals and families in need across Worcester County. CHP is headquartered at the Brigham Hill Community Farm in North Grafton. During the 2013 growing season, CHP grew and donated over 324,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables, which equates to 1.1 million servings of fresh produce for individuals and families in our community who otherwise may not have access. To learn more, visit http://www.community-harvest.org.