The Regional Food Bank, in partnership with the Patroon Land Foundation, is developing a self sustaining educational farm that grows large quantities of high quality vegetables every year. The Farm supplies the Food Bank and its participating agencies with diverse, fresh produce. Currently, we have grown over 560,000 pounds of fresh produce for the Food Bank. Although the majority of the Farm’s production is allocated to the Food Bank, we have sold 183,000 pounds of produce through a Community Supported Agriculture program and an on-site farm stand.
By growing this produce, the Food Bank is able to fulfill the Patroon Land Foundation’s mission. Its mission is to preserve the property as farm land and cultivate the land to grow and distribute produce, or the income from the sale of such produce, to feed the poor and hungry. The secondary purpose of the foundation is to offer educational opportunities for students and volunteers so they can learn about agriculture and participate in farming activities. Each week a wide variety of volunteers, as well as a consistent volunteer base, come to the Farm and help us in our efforts. Additionally, the Farm has worked with many interns and is always eager to develop these relationships in the future.
With help from so many volunteers, the Farm is truly the effort of a large community. Additional support and contributions come from our community of private donors, corporations, and other organizations. These contributions have helped to significantly develop the necessary infrastructure and equipment required to reach our goals.
